In a message to the Italian Episcopal Conference, the Pope emphasized the importance of unity, evangelization, and peace-building in the face of contemporary challenges
Newsroom, June 17, 2025, Gaudium Press – In a significant address to the Italian Episcopal Conference on June 17, 2025, the Holy Father emphasized the importance of unity, evangelization, and peace-building in the face of contemporary challenges facing the Church in Italy. Speaking in the Hall of Benediction, the Pope reflected on the unique bond between the Italian bishops and the papacy, urging them to embrace collegiality and synodality while addressing pressing pastoral concerns such as secularism, demographic decline, and the ethical implications of technological advancements.
A Call for Renewed Evangelization
The Pope underscored the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Church’s mission, urging bishops to focus on the kerygma—the core proclamation of the Gospel. Drawing from Evangelii Gaudium, he called for a renewed zeal in sharing the joy of the Gospel, particularly among those distanced from faith. This involves adapting catechesis and proclamation methods to reach modern audiences in a fragmented world. “It is a question of placing Jesus Christ at the centre,” the Pope stated, emphasizing the need for pastoral actions that resonate with contemporary realities.
Promoting Peace in Communities
Highlighting the Gospel message of “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19), the Pope encouraged the Italian Church to foster peace at every level of society, from parishes to urban peripheries. He advocated for dioceses to promote non-violence education, mediation in local conflicts, and initiatives to transform fear into opportunities for encounter. “Peace is not a spiritual utopia,” he said, describing it as a practical path requiring patience, dialogue, and courage. The Pope envisioned every community as a “house of peace,” where justice and forgiveness are actively practiced.
Addressing Challenges to Human Dignity
The address also tackled the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, and social media, which risk reducing human dignity to mere functionality. The Pope called for a robust anthropological vision rooted in the Church’s teaching, emphasizing the human person as a relational and mysterious being, not a collection of algorithms. He urged the Church to engage in pastoral discernment that prioritizes human vulnerability and the capacity for connection, ensuring faith remains embodied and relevant.
Fostering a Culture of Dialogue
The Pope stressed the importance of dialogue within ecclesial communities, encouraging parishes, associations, and movements to become spaces of intergenerational listening and mutual respect. “Only where there is listening can communion be born,” he noted, linking dialogue to the credibility of the Church’s witness. This call aligns with the synodal path, which he described as a mindset that should permeate decision-making and actions within the Church.
Exhortations for the Future
In his concluding remarks, the Pope offered two key exhortations. First, he urged the bishops to pursue unity through synodality, referencing St. Augustine and St. Paul to highlight the interconnectedness of the Church’s members. Second, he encouraged courageous choices in serving the poor, sharing life with communities, and proclaiming the Gospel. He also emphasized the role of the laity, calling for their formation in the Church’s social doctrine to become agents of evangelization in workplaces, schools, and public life.
A Message of Hope and Trust
The Pope concluded by entrusting the Italian Episcopal Conference to the protection of Mary, invoking her under titles such as Our Lady of Loreto and Pompeii. He encouraged the bishops to move forward with joy and trust in God’s providence, assuring them of his blessing and support. “God is greater than our mediocrity,” he said, inspiring hope and confidence in the Church’s mission.
Raju Hasmukh with files from:
Address of the Holy Father to the Italian Episcopal Conference, Hall of Benediction, June 17, 2025.
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