The appointment of a nun as a member of the Dicastery for Bishops, for spazio + spadoni, is a concrete sign of hope, of listening, and of a future. In a crucial body such as the one that accompanies the selection of new diocesan pastors, the presence of a woman religious not only enriches the decision-making process with a different perspective, but also indicates a Church increasingly attentive to the voices of women who, for centuries, have been marginalized in ecclesial governance responsibilities. Sister Brambilla, former Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, brings with her...

The "Witnesses of Mercy" column presents the life and works of mercy of a modern-day witness, Maria Cristina Ogier (1955-1974). She was a young Italian laywoman and member of the Franciscan Third Order. Born in Florence into a Christian family, from her adolescence she demonstrated a marked sensitivity to the poor and a great love for the missions, particularly the Amazon. Struck by a serious form of bone cancer at a young age, she faced her illness with deep faith, offering her suffering for missionaries and the most neglected peoples. Despite treatment and physical limitations, she resolutely committed herself to supporting...

In anticipation of the celebration on July 26, 2026, the Holy Father has chosen a theme from the prophet Isaiah to reaffirm the value of the elderly in family life and the ecclesial community. Origin and meaning of the Day: What is the World Day of Grandparents and Elderly and why was it established? The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: The biblical verse and its central message. The Pope's pastoral message for families and communities: The invitation not to forget and to value the elderly. Methods of celebration and promotion: How the Day will be celebrated and the role of dioceses and...

Saint Juliana of Nicomedia Saint Juliana, a young woman from Nicomedia, chose martyrdom rather than deny Christ and marry a pagan prefect. Renowned for resisting demonic temptations in prison and torture, she embodies the victory of purity and unwavering faith against the lures and violence of the world. Read more Saint Joseph Allamano A priest from Turin and nephew of Saint Joseph Cafasso, Saint Joseph Allamano founded the Consolata Institutes to bring the Gospel throughout the world. An enlightened educator, he promoted a daily holiness based on...

Greetings from Father Gian Paolo Uras, director of the Diocesan Missionary Center of Cagliari, visiting the missions in Tanzania. Hello! In this first leg of my trip, I'm at the mission where Giada Melis, a missionary from Cagliari, has been working for four years. In these few days, I've had a first glimpse of this great African country, with its beauty and challenges, and I've been deeply fascinated. We've visited the communities where Giada serves and had the opportunity to learn more about the life and needs of the area. We are...