As individualism and social fragmentation grow, how can Christian communities rediscover authentic communion? This issue of Ekklesía explores synodality, shared responsibility, mutual listening and the renewal of parish and religious life. Through reflections and experiences from around the world, it highlights how welcoming communities, rooted in the Gospel, can foster meaningful relationships, reconciliation, participation and a renewed missionary spirit.
Waldery Hilgeman retraces the life of Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyên Văn Thuân, from his formation and episcopal ministry to 13 years of imprisonment and his later service in Rome, highlighting the hope that made his witness to the Gospel so compelling.
Michele Zanzucchi presents Fadi Chehadé’s proposal for a Digital Oath, modelled on the Hippocratic Oath, calling technology and AI developers to accept ethical responsibility, safeguard human dignity and help shape a digital future guided by wisdom rather than profit.
Paolo Ruffini reflects on Christian communication in the age of artificial intelligence, calling us to preserve human relationships, freedom and truth while actively shaping technological change so that communication remains rooted in communion, authentic encounter and witness to the Gospel.
The life and legacy of the Thai Buddhist monk Luce Ardente, whose friendship with Chiara Lubich opened new paths of interreligious dialogue, compassion and fraternity between Buddhism and the Focolare Movement over three decades.
Drawing on an accompaniment initiative within the Focolare Movement, Ansgar Bock and Gabriele Müller show how tensions and conflicts, when addressed with trust, honesty and mutual listening, can become opportunities for growth, deeper communion and renewed community life.
The “Always a Person” (Sempre Persona) project accompanies prisoners and families through relationships, restoring dignity, fostering hope, and revealing Christ in each encounter, as volunteers walk alongside those in prison and beyond.
“Hand-in-Hand” in Birmingham brings young people and the homeless together, revealing Christ in each encounter and transforming simple acts of charity into moments of dignity, communion, and Gospel witness.