At its General Assembly in Lisbon, Portugal on 15-16 November 2025, the Pax Romana ICMICA movement reaffirmed the importance of its “internationality” and called for forming “new generations of leaders” among young Catholic professionals and academics.
Below we present the text of the “Lisbon Declaration”:
LISBON DECLARATION
«The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church. On the wounded faces of the poor, we see the suffering of the innocent and, therefore, the suffering of Christ himself.» (Leo XIV, Dilexi te, 9)
1. A world and an era in shadow
As Pope Francis said in 2023, “the world that welcomes us is falling apart and perhaps approaching a breaking point.” (Laudato Deum, 2).
We are witnessing:
– The situations of extreme poverty in which billions of people around the world still live; – Climate change greatly increases the likelihood of natural disasters that are more and more frequent and intense and that threaten the survival of our Common Home; – The proliferation of wars and their destructive power.
– The technological revolution and the development of Artificial Intelligence, which is not being put at the service of humanity and is developing without control.
In this context, marked by imbalances, wounds, and injustices, we make our own the words of Pope Leo XIV, who in his first apostolic exhortation affirms that “The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.” (DT 9).
2. The mission of MIIC PAX Romana for this time
The mission of our Movement is more relevant than ever. We are called to further promote our identity inspired by the Gospel and, from there, to think, discern, and act in the face of the challenges of the world and the Church, integrating faith, culture, professional commitment, and vocation to offer a response committed to the signs of the times.
We recognize ourselves as an international community of intellectuals and professionals who articulate their professional commitment by listening to the cry of the People of God.
In this context, the synodal process promoted by Pope Francis mobilizes us to participate and walk together in the process of reforming the Church through the active participation of the laity, changing structures, listening to victims, and discerning collectively for transformative action.
Our synodal practice should lead us, inspired by the Spirit, to act in harmony with one another, for the good of our Church and for the success of our work with the poorest and in defense of our Common Home.
We have both the opportunity and the responsibility to contribute to building the Kingdom, and therefore we are committed to:
3. Synodality as part of our identity and mission
➢ Strengthening internal processes of listening, formation, community reflection, digital innovation and interregional cooperation, reinforcing virtual and in-person communities, revitalising Specialised Secretariats, and forming new generations of lay leaders for a more effective public presence.
➢ Generating critical analysis, interdisciplinary dialogue, and Christian social thought that illuminates the dilemmas of this changing era.
4. We reaffirm our internationality
The international life of Pax Romana is an essential dimension of our mission by promoting projects of social justice, integral ecology, defence of human rights, attention to the existential peripheries, and active participation in international organisations.
5. We transform our internal organisation
We continue the path begun by those who preceded us, but the world is changing, and we are changing with it.
➢ Strengthening the capacity of member organisations
ICMICA is committed to expanding its concrete impact on the organisations under its care. Through strategic accompaniment, capacity-building initiatives, and the exchange of best practices across regions, member communities will be better equipped to respond effectively to social, cultural, and ecclesial challenges within their own contexts.
➢ Enhancing internal connectivity and collaboration
To deepen communion and shared mission, ICMICA will foster greater interaction among its members by strengthening digital platforms, encouraging interregional dialogue, and
creating common learning spaces. This enriched connectivity enables the movement to act with greater unity and solidarity.
➢ Optimizing digital branding and communication.
Recognizing the importance of visibility in the modern world, ICMICA will pursue a more intentional and dynamic digital communication strategy. Through consistent messaging, high quality content, and a stronger presence in digital media, ICMICA seeks to make its identity and mission more widely known, especially among younger generations of Catholic professionals.
➢ Leveraging technology for the service of the Gospel.
Digital transformation is embraced as a new frontier for mission. ICMICA promotes the ethical and creative use of technology and artificial intelligence for formation, research, advocacy, and the dissemination of Catholic social thought, ensuring that technological progress serves human dignity and the common good.
➢ Forming new generations of leaders.
ICMICA will cultivate digital ecosystems and leadership pathways that attract, support, and empower young Catholic professionals, ensuring continuity, renewal, and a vibrant future for the movement.
In the midst of the wounds of the present time, Pax Romana is called to be a sign of hope.
Lisbon, 15–16 November 2025
38th Assembly of MIIC–Pax Romana
