The Transformative Meeting: Pope Francis and the Organized Communities of the United States
Recently, Pope Francis had a momentous meeting with the leaders of the Organized Communities of the United States, Industrial Areas Foundation—West/Southwest, at the Casa Santa Marta. The purpose of this meeting was for the leaders to present the progress made by the Ecclesial Network of Organized Communities (RECOR) and seek guidance from the Holy Father.
Around 20 leaders, including priests and laypeople, had the opportunity to introduce RECOR, a new network that aims to implement the Church’s Social Doctrine and promote a way of life flavored by the Gospel. This initiative, backed by Catholic bishops, holds the vision to lead in fostering a community rooted in Christian values.
Audience with Pope Francis
During the meeting, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of building a synodal bridge to ensure vibrant and fruitful communities. He applauded the efforts of the people to come together and organize, acknowledging that the true wealth of a community lies in its ability to unite and work towards a common goal.
María Guadalupe Valdez, Elizabeth Valdez, and other members present at the meeting shared Pope Francis’s message of encouragement to keep moving forward and act with compassion and unity. The network comprises various religious institutions, including churches, unions, universities, and organizations, with Catholics playing a significant role alongside Protestant churches, synagogues, and mosques.
The Journey to RECOR
RECOR, the Ecclesial Network of Organized Communities, originated at the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM) with the aim of sharing experiences and skills across the Americas. The efforts to establish this network began in 2021 when the Industrial Areas Foundation—West/Southwest (IAF, USA) engaged with Pope Francis in Rome. Following the Pope’s guidance and Bishop Cantú’s suggestion, they collaborated with the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (PCAL) to lay the groundwork for RECOR.
Through virtual and in-person meetings, IAF West/Southwest and the Commission initiated a new North-South bridge of Organized Communities, with the support of Pope Francis. The recent meeting marked a significant milestone in this journey, reflecting the Pope’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among communities.
Building Bridges between Organized Communities
In line with their vision of building bridges and fostering connections, the representatives of IAF visited the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. This new initiative, the Building Bridges PCAL-LUC Initiative, is a testament to the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between North and South America through organized communities.
Looking ahead, two new meetings are planned for 2025, intending to strengthen ties and promote collaboration between communities in the United States and Europe. The initiative aligns with Pope Francis’s call for unity and solidarity among diverse communities striving for a better future.
The Essence of Organized Communities
Organized Communities represent a unique approach to community building, rooted in the Church’s Social Doctrine and the Gospel’s teachings. These communities, led by their Catholic bishops, embody the principles of solidarity, subsidiarity, and mutual support.
Contrary to traditional organizational structures, these communities prioritize collective action, hope, and dialogue with governmental bodies to address societal challenges. They exemplify the principles of subsidiarity, where decision-making power rests with the local community members, integrating both political and ecclesial dimensions.
In conclusion, Organized Communities serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity, guiding communities towards a way of life enshrined in faith, compassion, and community spirit.
