Seeking artisans of fraternity
“Seeking artisans of fraternity”
On the occasion of the World Human Fraternity Day
February 7, 2026, 3:30 p.m. – Loppiano (Figline and Incisa Valdarno – FI)
The 60th anniversary year has just ended, and with renewed enthusiasm, Loppiano wishes to continue contributing to the spread of the culture and good practices that arise from the fraternity that the town strives to live, witness, and proclaim every day. For this reason, it is proposing the initiative “Seeking artisans of fraternity” on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. It will be an opportunity for dialogue and listening with experts on major current issues that we want to look at from the perspective of fraternity.
The following will be present: Pasquale Ferrara, diplomat, former Director General for Political and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Elena Granata, professor of Urban Planning at the Polytechnic University of Milan; Patrizia Giunti, president of the Giorgio La Pira Foundation; Mohammad Ali Shomali (via videoconference), founder and director of the Risalat Institute in Qum (Iran); and Alessandra Smerilli, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. A number of young people, in light of their studies and experience, including their current studies in Loppiano, will engage in dialogue with them, moderated by Riccardo Barlaam, columnist for Politica Internazionale in “Il Sole 24 Ore”.
Artisans of fraternity: the theme
Abuse of power, violence, conflict as the dominant logic, widespread rearmament, ongoing wars, and integral ecology becoming a marginal issue make the commitment to establish peaceful relations at every level and in all contexts even more relevant and urgent. It was in Loppiano that Pope Francis, during his visit on May 10, 2018, pointed out the need to “build a shared culture of encounter and a global civilization of alliance.” Chiara Lubich, for her part, founded the little town to make visible, livable, experiential, and exportable the fraternity that flows from the Gospel, in which all are brothers and sisters because they are children of one Father.
The theme of fraternity has also been highlighted by the United Nations. On December 21, 2020, the UN General Assembly established the International Day of Human Fraternity, setting it on February 4 of each year, to promote greater cultural and religious tolerance. With such a significant proximity between the two dates, the initiative in Loppiano aims to offer a contribution of reflection and action.
