Italian
Towards a more humane and inclusive world. In a global context marked by growing inequalities and structural fragilities, missionary cooperation emerges as a fundamental interpretative key to promote a more fair and supportive model of development. To delve deeper into this topic, the Magis Foundation, in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Pontifical Gregorian University, organized the event titled “A different view of the world. Missionary cooperation: a vision of freedom and social justice,” held in Rome on April 9th at the University’s headquarters. The event represented an important opportunity for discussion, enriched by the participation of authoritative voices that, from different but complementary perspectives, reflected on the role of mission, theology, and economics in the current scenario. The theological reflection engaged with the economic analysis of development, seeking to outline concrete paths for a future inspired by the common good. The event also highlighted the relevance of an approach capable of integrating the local and global dimensions, reaffirming the essential role of missionary cooperation as a response to the major issues of our time. In this sense, the event provided an important opportunity to reflect on how theology, mission, and economics can converge towards a shared vision of freedom, social justice, and peace, aimed at building a more humane and inclusive world.
Walking together in times of crisis. Father Ronny Alessio, Provincial Superior of the Euro-Mediterranean Province of the Society of Jesus, emphasized during his intervention how the current situation is testing everyone, not only economically but also on a human and cultural level. We are living in a time marked by extremisms and nationalisms that generate anxiety, especially among young people who are already affected by the collective trauma of Covid. In the face of a society that pushes towards individualism and the defense of one’s own interests, what needs to be done is to witness a different style, based on sharing, attention to others, and dialogue between cultures. Following Pope Francis’s invitation, the commitment is not only theoretical but also operational: see, judge, and act. With humility, we seek to walk together, listen, and build a culture of encounter, rejecting the indifference that makes the poor invisible.
Prophetic commitment and global challenges. After the Provincial Superior, it was the turn of Father Daniel Huang, SJ, coordinator of the Specialization in Missiology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, who focused his reflection on the fact that living today the social dimension of evangelization is a challenge, in an era marked by rapid changes that generate disorientation and raise questions about the future of humanity and the planet. Economic protectionism undermines international solidarity, creating exclusion and poverty. The attention economy and artificial intelligence profoundly change the way we work, relate, and understand reality. Democracy is threatened by populism and authoritarianism, while society fractures into increasing emotional polarization. Added to all this is a crisis of hope, especially among the young, who often give up on the future and on generating new life. In this complex scenario, the Church is called to a prophetic and concrete commitment, to embody justice, solidarity, and love.
Responsibility in the digital age. The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Father Peter Lah sj, emphasized that today egocentrism and materialism dominate society, fueled by a culture of consumption and the influence of social media. Self-esteem is confused with seeking approval from others, and life is reduced to material well-being. Artificial intelligence, then, challenges the dignity of work and the value of true and authentic communication. The algorithm does not question whether information is true or not. Instead, it asks whether a content pleases us or not, whether it might interest us or not. It is not guided by an idea of the common good and human values. It chooses stimulating and controversial content, not important ones. So, how can we reclaim our autonomy and dignity, in other words, our humanity, in these conditions? It is a problem that each of us will have to answer for ourselves. Artificial intelligence cannot solve it, nor can the government, the Church, companies, or neighbors. Not without our contribution. We become human by reflecting and acting in an intelligent and responsible manner. Institutions can foster an environment conducive to human growth, but it is up to the individual to grow. I must choose whether to get lost in a sea of stimuli, responding almost in an animalistic way, or to pause and reflect, develop a sense of who I am and what, in my case, constitutes a good life. Ultimately, deciding to step out of my self-referential bubble and be close to my brother and sister. Human closeness is not a matter of space; it is an attitude that aims at inclusion and sharing, empathy, and solidarity.
Cooperation: Response to the Fear of the Present. Ivana Borsotto, President of Focsiv, reflected on the role of international cooperation today. Our time, marked by a deep fear and anxiety for the future that has turned into fear of the present, of the world, and of others. This atmosphere fuels closures, populism, and mistrust, making the work of those involved in international cooperation difficult. Cooperation strives to transform rights into daily reality, even in the most inhumane places, showing how the most authentic solidarity can arise precisely in extreme poverty. However, a political response is also needed: projects must become public policies. It is no longer enough to be critical observers, but it is necessary to believe in institutions and in democracy. Finally, there is a spiritual challenge: Pope Francis urges us not to stop at palliatives, but to address the root causes of injustices, promoting dialogue, brotherhood, and mutual understanding, even in the daily work of projects in the field.
For integral human development. Economist Paolo Garonna, president of the Centesimus Annus pro Pontifice Foundation, has emphasized the conceptual and substantial difference between growth and development. What matters is the transition from simple economic growth to integral human development, which requires a multidimensional approach: not only production and consumption, but also human capital, trust, good governance, environmental protection, peace, and security. Modern economics has expanded analytical tools to address inequalities, technological and demographic changes. However, today we are experiencing a systemic crisis characterized by increasing geopolitical fragmentation. The answer cannot be a return to pure liberalism, but a renewed alliance between politics, economics, and solidarity. There needs to be coherence between aid and trade, avoiding practices that create dependency. The Social Doctrine of the Church and missionary cooperation offer a positive, ethical, and inclusive model to address the global challenges of this new era.
Field commitment. Finally, the conclusions were entrusted to Ambrogio Bongiovanni, president of Fondazione Magis, Missionary Work of the Euro-Mediterranean Province of the Jesuits. Bongiovanni, recalling the importance of those who work in the field in complex and difficult countries, highlighted the value of a method that characterizes the spirit of many missionary realities: see, judge, and act. This method has been emphasized several times by Pope Francis. In these three verbs are enclosed the challenges of international missionary cooperation in contemporary societies. Seeing implies a theological reading of reality, judging requires criteria based on the Gospel, and acting means siding with the poor, not with the powerful. It is a prophetic choice, which requires courage and often a price to pay. The systemic crisis left unaddressed is now showing its effects, exacerbating global issues such as the lack of peace, social justice, and freedom. The Jubilee of hope invites to responsibility and a hope rooted in faith and charity. This Christian hope generates justice and goes against the dominant logic of conflict. The cultural and ethical crisis we face can become an opportunity for awakening and change, also thanks to a new way of looking at the world: human, open, and profound. In this context, NGOs, like Fondazione Magis, are independent interlocutors, capable of bringing the demands of populations directly to decision-making places. Their mission is prophetic and is based on a concrete commitment in the field. Projects progress thanks to people, not algorithms.
