Because of You, 2.2 Million Students Are Being Formed in the Faith
Because of generous supporters like you, Catholic Online School has already delivered free, faithful Catholic education to over 2.2 million students across 193 countries. In an age of noise and algorithms, you are helping form souls with truth, prayer, Scripture, and Christ.
If everyone who reads this gave just $5 — the cost of a coffee — we could reach even more families and keep this life-changing formation free for all. Be Courageous. Be Catholic. Stand with us today.
DONATE TODAY >Pope Encourages Focolare Movement
FREE Catholic Classes
"I exhort all of you, dear brothers and sisters, to follow with joy and courage the path of Chiara Lubich's spiritual heritage"
Highlights
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (Zenit) - Benedict XVI urged the members of the Focolare movement to continue on the path laid down by their founder Chiara Lubich.
The Pope addressed the members of the movement's General Assembly today after he recited the midday Angelus with several thousand people gathered in the courtyard of the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.
Lubich, who founded the movement in 1943, died in March. She led the movement for more than 60 years.
Earlier this month the General Assembly elected Maria Voce, 70, as Lubich's successor. The assembly is under way through Thursday at the Mariapolis Center of Castel Gandolfo.
The Holy Father said: "I would now like to greet the Italian pilgrims and, in particular, the large group of participants in the General Assembly of the Focolare movement.
"While I rejoice over the election of new leaders for the movement, I exhort all of you, dear brothers and sisters, to follow with joy and courage the path of Chiara Lubich's spiritual heritage, which is gathered in your statutes, increasing more and more the relationships of communion in the family, community and in every ambit of society."
Come Grow With Us
Sign up and walk the Catholic journey with millions around the world.
Receive inspiring emails on saints, daily readings, and free faith-building resources—no cost, ever.
Who is forming our children—algorithms or Christ?
Watch Sister Sara's Message Now
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary
Copyright 2026 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2026 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
