On Friday June 12th in the Vatican Pope Francis received in audience the national Presidency of the Meic (Ecclesial Movement for cultural commitment), led by President Beppe Elia. Pope Francis asked for commitment on the theme of discernment and the role of the laity.

During the meeting, which took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality, the Holy Father wanted to thank Meic for the contribution of cultural animation offered through its activities at national and local level, especially on the themes of synodality, democracy, social cohesion, immigration, peace.

In particular, the Pope asked the Movement to commit itself on two more urgent fronts. On the one hand, he invited Meic to deepen the theme of discernment, against all forms of relativism but also of moral rigidity, with attention to the understanding of the complexity of the changes taking place. On the other hand, the Holy Father has indicated as a priority a reflection on the laity, to overcome two serious dangers, clericalism and rigidity, valuing the common priesthood of the baptized and rediscovering the laity as a vocation. In this sense, the Pope asked Meic to commit itself to finding new forms of presence and participation, especially of women, who show a more acute understanding of many questions concerning the life of the Church.

The Presidency of Meic, deeply grateful to the Holy Father for this meeting, has accepted his indications and renewed its faithful commitment to the service of the Church and the country.

Original in Italian translated by Ph Ledouble