Vatican City, March 13, 2026 – Pope Leo XIV today underscored the importance of studying the history of the Catholic movement in Italy, citing its relevance to contemporary social justice efforts. The Pope’s remarks came during a meeting with the governing council of the Fondazione Cattolica, a prominent organization supporting vulnerable communities and families.
“Your visit offers me the opportunity to emphasize how important it is, in our time, to study and valorize the history of the Catholic movement in Italy, to draw inspiration from it and translate the insights and experiences of men and women who united faith and commitment to justice into today’s world,” Pope Leo XIV stated. He specifically referenced the response of hundreds of cooperatives, rural banks, and mutual aid societies to Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed the social question and advocated for organized economic action.
The Pope acknowledged the Fondazione Cattolica’s 20th anniversary, recognizing its “fundamental role of the Third Sector in supporting communities, people and families living in conditions of greater fragility and social marginalization.” He praised the foundation’s support for numerous associations, social enterprises, foundations, and religious entities, highlighting their contribution to social cohesion and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Fondazione Cattolica to continue its perform, particularly in promoting youth formation through educational, cultural, and participatory pathways. He noted the recent establishment of an Academy for the Third Sector, a collaborative effort with the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, and expressed support for extending the academy’s reach to LUMSA University in Rome.
“I urge you to continue this commitment, also working, as you already do, to promote the formation of young people through educational, cultural and participation paths,” the Pope said. “In this field, the newest initiative is the Academy for the Third Sector, in collaboration with the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan, which you want to extend to LUMSA in Rome. I recommend that you always cultivate the spirit that animates it and the evangelical style, so that there is consistency between the goals you set for yourselves and the means and instruments with which you pursue them.”
The Fondazione Cattolica was established two decades ago to recognize the vital role of the Third Sector in Italy, according to the Vatican’s press office. The organization provides financial and logistical support to a wide range of initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting social inclusion, and fostering community development. The academy, a joint project with the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, aims to provide specialized training for professionals working in the non-profit sector.
