‘Theology from the Mediterranean’: a journey of theological and social reflection on dialogue, peace and development
A new initiative has been launched by CAPPF which is an important project with a focus to deepen the knowledge for a theological and social reflection, aimed at promoting the thinking that originates in the Mediterranean in the light of the Social Doctrine of the Church. It is called ‘Theology from the Mediterranean’.
Launched last May at the CAPPF international conference, the project included a study session dedicated to the ‘Social Doctrine of Interreligious Dialogue for Peace and Economic Cooperation.’ In this context, the theme of “Social Doctrine of the Mediterranean. Interreligious Dialogue for Peace and Economic Cooperation on the Basis of the New Theology of the Mediterranean and from the Mediterranean’, taking as its reference the 2023 Marseille Manifesto entitled “Towards a Theology of the Mediterranean”. The discussion focused on ways to consolidate the ethical foundations for economic and social development and peace in and from the Mediterranean, with Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille and President of the French Bishops’ Conference, as the main speaker.
Cardinal Aveline returned to this theme in the editorial of this newsletter (December 2025), highlighting that “History will remember that, for his first apostolic journey, Pope Leo XIV chose the shores of the eastern Mediterranean, the cradle of Christianity, subsequently traveling to Turkey and Lebanon. In Turkey, the Holy Father celebrated with particular intensity the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea […]’.
These were important insights that saw the CAPPF engaged in the subsequent steps of reflection, discussion and debate at an international level, through webinars and seminars.
The meetings will continue during 2026. The year 2025 marked the beginning of a structured process of in-depth study on the theme.
This journey is designed to develop over time, gradually consolidate and open up to new contributions and perspectives for dialogue.