Rome: In a heartfelt message to the 20th National Congress of CISL (Italian Confederation of Workers’ Trade Unions), Pope Leo XIV called on labor organizations to become catalysts for social harmony and human-centered development. The Pope’s appeal, conveyed through a letter signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, emphasized the urgent need to foster “a more humane order of social relations” and to build societies grounded in justice, peace, and solidarity.
The message, addressed to CISL Secretary General Daniela Fumarola, conveyed the Pope’s “cordial greeting” and “deep appreciation” for the landmark event, which opened in Rome’s EUR district under the theme “The Courage of Participation.”
The Pontiff expressed his hope that the congress would reignite a collective sense of responsibility, particularly in raising awareness of the moral and social duties that lie at the heart of labor movements. He urged delegates to hold firm to the vision of tranquillitas ordinis the “tranquility of order,” a phrase drawn from Saint Augustine’s The City of God, reminding participants of the shared goal of building a stable and compassionate social order.
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella also extended his message to the Congress, underscoring the vital role of workers in safeguarding democracy and freedom across Italy and Europe. He praised CISL’s focus on participation as a “positive signal” for advancing meaningful political and social dialogue.
President Mattarella reaffirmed the trade union’s historical role in shaping Europe’s social framework and emphasized that “the right to work and to fair compensation” remains fundamental to any civilized society. He lauded CISL’s continued advocacy as a global reference point for workers’ rights and dignity.
Together, the messages from Pope Leo XIV and President Mattarella underscored a shared call to uphold the values of equity, justice, and human dignity in an increasingly complex global landscape.