Pope’s vision for a unified Diocese of Rome

Pope Francis’ October 1st Motu Proprio, La Vera Bellezza (True Beauty), signals a major reorganisation of the Diocese of Rome aimed at fostering greater ecclesial unity.

Oct 12, 2024

Basilica Santa Maria in Trastevere (Viacheslav Lopatin)


By Antonella Palermo

Pope Francis’ October 1st Motu Proprio, La Vera Bellezza (True Beauty), signals a major reorganisation of the Diocese of Rome aimed at fostering greater ecclesial unity. This restructuring integrates the five central prefectures with the outer peripheries, addressing the growing divide between the historic centre and its outlying areas. Pope Francis envisions a more unified Rome, describing it as “one large home for all,” where ecclesial communion triumphs over fragmentation.

This decision comes at a critical time as the Church prepares for the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, an event that Pope Francis views as an opportunity for Rome’s faithful to rediscover the beauty of unity. The Motu Proprio is more than an administrative shift; it is a pastoral response to the social and spiritual realities facing the diocese today, emphasising the Pope’s broader vision for the Church.

Rome, like many modern cities, is experiencing a growing divide between its historic centre and expanding outskirts. Pope Francis has expressed concern that the centre, once the heart of Roman Catholicism, risks becoming more of a tourist destination than a living faith community. Meanwhile, the peripheries, where parishes serve as vital community hubs, are often under-resourced and neglected. This division is both geographic and pastoral.

In La Vera Bellezza, Pope Francis proposes a new pastoral vision that integrates the centre and periphery into a harmonious whole. “There is no longer an isolated centre and a fragmented periphery,” he writes, “but a dynamic view that seeks not walls, but bridges.” By breaking down barriers and encouraging collaboration, the Pope aims to foster a shared sense of purpose across the diocese, creating a spirit of unity that strengthens the entire Church.

At the heart of Pope Francis’ vision is a more dynamic pastoral approach — one that adapts to the rhythms and needs of the People of God. The Pope stresses the importance of recognising the changing cultural landscape and responding accordingly. He has long advocated for pastoral and sacramental activities that meet the real needs of families and communities. This restructuring is a practical step toward ensuring that the Church remains responsive to these evolving needs.

The integration of Rome’s central and peripheral areas goes beyond symbolism. It grants the peripheries, which have historically played a key role in nurturing the faith, greater access to the rich spiritual and historical heritage of the city’s centre. Pope Francis envisions a diocese where celebrations, gatherings, and meetings occur in historic spaces, reconnecting the faithful with the deep roots of Roman Catholic identity. This blending of physical and spiritual elements enriches the diocese and strengthens the bonds within its community.

As the 2025 Jubilee approaches, Pope Francis invites Romans to become pilgrims in their own city. While the Jubilee will attract visitors from around the world, the Pope emphasises that Romans themselves should seize this opportunity to rediscover their city’s sacred sites. He highlights spiritual journeys, such as the Seven Church Walk, the Lenten Station Churches, and visiting Marian icons and the Holy Cradle at Santa Maria Maggiore, as ways to reconnect with their faith and heritage.

However, the Pope’s reflection on beauty extends beyond historical monuments and sacred architecture. He reminds the Church that true beauty lies in caring for the vulnerable. “The more we care for the vulnerable, the more beautiful we become,” he writes. For Pope Francis, Rome is not just a historical centre, but also a living expression of the Church’s maternal care, particularly for the poor and marginalised. He praised the volunteers and organisations dedicated to serving the most vulnerable and encouraged the diocese to expand these efforts. In his view, compassion and beauty are inseparable, and it is this kind of beauty that will ultimately transform the world.

One of the central themes of La Vera Bellezza is Pope Francis’ firm condemnation of divisions within the Church. He rejects the formation of “fiefdoms” that foster separation instead of communion. Whether through isolated parishes or ecclesial movements that emphasise differences, these divisions are a “sin against ecclesial communion,” according to the Pope.

Pope Francis calls on the Diocese of Rome to embrace synodality, which promotes unity and rejects elitism. “Our diocese must throw open bridges,” he writes, “to strengthen ecclesial communion so that all, individually and collectively, belong solely to Christ and His Church.” This is a clear directive for every member of the Church to prioritise unity over personal preferences or divisions, calling for a spirit of communion at every level.

As the Diocese of Rome prepares for the Jubilee, the restructuring serves as a timely reminder of the Church’s mission to be a place of communion and welcome. Pope Francis’ vision for a unified diocese — one that bridges the center and periphery, adjusts to the pastoral needs of the people, and cares for the vulnerable — offers valuable lessons for the global Church.

In a world often divided by walls, Pope Francis’ call to build bridges is both timely and necessary. Beginning with the Diocese of Rome, the Church must reflect the beauty of unity, ensuring that all, both Romans and non- Romans, find a home within Christ’s Church. --Vatican News

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