Dear brothers and sisters!

Welcome back to Rome for the Second Synodal Assembly of the Churches in Italy. It is the final stage of the pastoral and social journey you have made over the last five years. So many initiatives, so many meetings, so many good practices: everything comes from the Spirit, who “guides [the Church] in way of all truth (cf. Jn 16:13) and … unified [her] with hierarchical and charismatic gifts and adorns [her] with His fruits” (Lumen gentium, 4).

I quote the title of the Propositions: “That joy may be full”. Christian joy is never exclusive, but always inclusive, it is for everyone. It takes place in the details of everyday life (cf. Evangelii gaudium, 5) and in sharing: it is a joy with broad horizons, accompanying a welcoming style. It is God’s gift - let us always remember this -; it is not an easy joy, it is not born of convenient solutions to problems, it does not avoid the cross, but springs from the certainty that the Lord never leaves us alone. I experienced this myself in my hospitalization, and now in this time of convalescence. Christian joy is reliance on God in every situation in life.

In these days, you will have the opportunity to examine and vote on the Propositions, the fruit of what has emerged so far and a crossroads for the future of the Churches in Italy. Let yourselves be guided by the creative harmony that is generated by the Holy Spirit. The Church is not made up of majorities or minorities, but of the holy faithful people of God who walk in history, enlightened by the Word and by the Spirit. Go ahead with joy and wisdom! I bless you. Please, continue to pray for me. Thank you, and good work!

Rome, Saint John Lateran, 28 March 2025

FRANCIS

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 31 March 2025