Pope Leo XIV endorses new Florence study center promoting Christian social doctrine through academic and community collaboration. Unveiled Oct 14, 2025.
Newsroom (14/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) The newly established International Study Center Pope Leo XIV was unveiled at Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio, with a message of support from Pope Leo XIV, delivered via a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The initiative, spearheaded by the Augustinian Convent of Santo Spirito and the Order of Saint Augustine, aims to promote the Church’s Social Doctrine through academic collaboration, cultural events, and community engagement.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV expressed “appreciation” for the center’s mission to foster cooperation with academic institutions, ecclesiastical bodies, and local social organizations. He emphasized its role in offering “a Christian vision of life rooted in the Gospel” and assured his prayers for those involved in the “formative project.” Invoking the protection of the Virgin Mary and Saint Augustine, the Pope extended his apostolic blessing, wishing the center “a fruitful journey in service to the community.”
The presentation was led by Father Giuseppe Pagano, prior of the Augustinian community of Santo Spirito, with welcoming remarks from Florence Mayor Sara Funaro. Other speakers included Alessandro Lombardi, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Florence; Father Joseph Farrell, prior general of the Order of Saint Augustine, who read the Pope’s message; and Father Gabriele Pedicino, prior of the Augustinian Province of Italy. Professor Francesco Salvestrini of the University of Florence outlined the center’s objectives and strategies.
A Mission to Address Contemporary Challenges
The Center, inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s repeated calls to apply the Church’s Social Doctrine to modern challenges, seeks to provide formation in social and political life. In collaboration with the Theological Faculty of Central Italy, it aims to engage national and international audiences through courses, conferences, and partnerships with academic and cultural institutions sharing its values.
The initiative is designed to offer individuals—regardless of ethnic or religious background—a framework for understanding daily life through a Christian lens, fostering authentic judgment and promoting unity in social and political spheres. Its programs target a diverse audience, including those pursuing philosophical or theological studies, individuals seeking political formation for public service, and laypeople, deacons, priests, and religious interested in critically engaging with international relations.
The Center’s launch marks a significant step in advancing the Church’s mission to address contemporary societal needs through education and dialogue, rooted in the principles of faith and community service.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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