The Evangelii Gaudium Center (CEG) is a laboratory of formation, study and research operating in the perspective of the “new chapter of evangelization” to which the Church is called. In tune with Sophia’s formative project and academic method, the mission of the CEG is to promote and support formation, study and research in the fields of ecclesiology, pastoral theology and mission, spiritual theology and the theology of charisms, with particular attention to the rich diversity of the socio-cultural and ecclesial contexts.

e-mail: ceg@sophiauniversity.org

Secretary  Maria do Sameiro Freitas

President of the Scientific Council Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, Archbishop of L’Aquila

The Centre strives to respond to the strong invitation addressed by Pope Francis to the Church in Italy to take up again the Exhortation “Evangelii gaudium” in order to provide specific content, impetus and direction to the work of pastoral conversion needed by a Church called to “go out” to the geographical and existential peripheries of today. An urgent task, which requires open-mindedness and experience, but also a new language and spirit, channelling the spiritual impulses and experiences aroused by Chiara Lubich’s charism of unity. As Pope Francis said in the Florence Cathedral, 10 November 2015: “Remember that the best way to dialogue is not that of speaking and debating but that of doing something together, of making plans: not alone, among Catholics, but together with all those who are of good will. Do not be afraid to engage in the exodus necessary for every authentic dialogue.”