Formally established on the afternoon of September 23, the organization will focus on three main areas of intervention: study and research, business and innovation, training and culturea
source: The Economy of Francesco Press Office
ASSISI – (Italy) - «Promote and organize initiatives and activities in the cultural and spiritual fields, scientific research, interdisciplinary training, business and innovation; foster awareness and responsibility of an economic and entrepreneurial life in the name of integral human development; encourage cultural, academic, editorial and entrepreneurial experiences and paths». These are the goals of the new Foundation “The Economy of Francesco” formally established on the afternoon of September 23, 2024.
The Foundation, which responds to the legal scheme of the participatory foundation, is constituted, on the direction and inspiration of the Holy Father, by the Diocese of Assisi – Nocera Umbra – Gualdo Tadino, by the International Association for an Economy of Communion, by the Istituto Serafico (Seraphic Institute) for the deaf and blind of Assisi.
In a letter dated December 5, 2023, Pope Francis entrusted the Bishop of Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, and the members of the EoF Committee, Luigino Bruni and Francesca Di Maolo, with the task of safeguarding the "initiated process, defining the new organizational structure that will act as a coordination and animation center for everything that Economy of Francesco is already experiencing in businesses, universities, and the world", with the support of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
After a few months of work, listening, and discernment, on Monday 23 the Foundation's founding act was signed in the presence of the three founders who will meet Pope Francis on Wednesday 25 September. In addition to the founders, a group of supporters, experts, and young people of over thirty nationalities will participate in the audience, involved in the various bodies of the Foundation and who constitute the participation assembly, the central body of the Foundation, already working to determine the activity plan and objectives.
"With the formal constitution of The Economy of Francesco we enter the heart of a journey that has never stopped. From today the young people of EoF - explains the bishop of Assisi and president of the Foundation - officially become protagonists of this path that wants to enter the universities, businesses and the world of cooperation so that the dominant economic culture gives way to a new way of thinking that cares about the person, his charisms, the environment and the territory, rather than mere profit. It is now clear to everyone that the care and active involvement of workers and the protection of the common home are elements that not even entrepreneurs can ignore. The task of EoF is precisely this - adds the president - to make people understand and spread a different economic thought that includes the values of proximity, circularity, subsidiarity, ethics, fraternity and equity".
Satisfaction with the new start was also expressed by the vice president of the Foundation, Luigino Bruni. "We are very pleased to be able to give our concrete and subsidiary contribution to the young people who have responded to the call of Pope Francis, and to support with our adult 'dreams' the 'visions' of the young people (prophet Joel). More than 5 years after the launch of EoF, today there is a need for a second generation of young economists who continue the race towards a new economy, alongside the young people who are already running: the Foundation is a concrete help for this".
"We are honored to have been called to safeguard the process started by the Pontiff with 'Economy of Francis' - said the president of the Serafico Institute Francesca Di Maolo - and it is with emotion and hope that today, with the birth of the EoF Foundation, we are starting a new journey, a fundamental stage in building an economy capable of putting human dignity, the most fragile and the care of creation at the center. As promoters of this project - she added - we will commit ourselves immediately to supporting an inclusive, fair and sustainable economy, which truly knows how to welcome and defend life in all its forms. The birth of this Foundation is a sign of hope for a real change that, starting from the youngest, no longer excludes anyone and can take care of creation and the health of all".
It was 2019 when Pope Francis called on young economists, entrepreneurs and change makers around the world to start a process of change to re-animate the economy. Since then, numerous initiatives have distinguished the EoF movement of thought and practice, involving thousands of young people from all over the world committed to testifying and promoting an earth-friendly economy, an economy of peace, an economy of life. Hundreds of conferences, dozens of publications, over 50 research projects, 10 summer schools around the world, dozens of startups, 12 thematic villages, around 50 local hubs. In 2022 the in-person event in Assisi and the Pact with Pope Francis. Considering the ideals enshrined in the Pact, the organization will move on three main areas of intervention: study and research; business and innovation; training and culture.
The V EoF Global Gathering is scheduled for the afternoon of September 25 at 6:00 pm, live streaming on the EoF YouTube channel. During the traditional annual event of updating and sharing, it will also be possible to listen to the words that Pope Francis will address to young people.