Canadian delegation participates in 2026 International CAPP Conference and audience with Pope Leo XIV
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
From May 28-30 a delegation of seventeen CAPP-Canada members and friends attended the annual CAPP Fondation conference. Among the delegates were three members of the 2025-26 cohort of CAPP-Canada's Lumen Gentium Forum program. One of them, Mary Webb, participated in a panel on bringing CAPP's mission to younger generations.
The conference followed a synodal approach and was very well attended with about 300 participants affiliated with chapters from around the world, or invited as guests.
The overarching theme for this year's Conference was: "The World in Search of Spirituality: Refocusing on Freedom and Pluralism through the Social Doctrine of the Church."
It began on Thursday, May 28 at the Pontificio Collegio Internazionale Maria Mater Ecclesiae, with the Annual General Assembly of Foundation Members. The focus was on the theme of “Catholic Social Thought Facing the Challenges to Freedom and Pluralism in a Disordered Economy and Society. Renewing the Vision of Centesimus Annus."
The International Conference was held the next day, May 29, at the New Synod Hall at the Vatican, and focused on the theme of: “A Fragmented World in Search of Spirituality: Freedom and Pluralism through the Social Doctrine of the Church.”
On May 30, conference participants attended mass at St. Peter's Basilica and followed by a private audience with the Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father encouraged us in our mission of promoting Catholic Social Teaching, which is close to his heart, and referenced his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas:
"Your presence here is motivated by your continued dedication to the study and implementation of the Social Doctrine of the Church in today’s society. It is no secret that this is a topic that is particularly close to my own heart, not to mention that it is an essential part of the Church’s mission in this world. Your annual meeting has coincided with the recent publication of Magnifica Humanitas, and I believe that this Encyclical can provide guidelines to develop and assess the many topics that you have been exploring during the Conference and the preparation that preceded it.
In this regard, the theme chosen for this year — A Fragmented World in Search of Spirituality: Freedom and Pluralism from Within the Social Doctrine of the Church — offers much to consider. Firstly, it acknowledges the unfortunate situation in which humanity currently finds itself as we navigate an era marked by wars and growing polarization, as well as cultural and social divisions. Yet, in the midst of fragility, a new hope arises. Even as division seems to grow, a common denominator that indisputably unites us all appears: our shared humanity. Indeed, it is precisely when faced with adverse circumstances that the human person is called to reconsider the fundamental questions that have gently prodded the heart of countless generations to more serious reflection: “Where are we going? Toward what goal do we wish to orient ourselves? What direction should we choose as a people and as a human community?” (Magnifica Humanitas 6).
Later on Saturday, a number of our delegation met at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we prayed the rosary together and attended the mass of anticipation for the Solemnity of Pentecost. We then met with other CAPP members and friends for a dinner organized by CAPP-USA.
We will update this blog shortly with additional reflections from those who attended.
Cecil Chabot, CAPP-Canada Coordinator
