The 10th International Diploma for Catholic Leaders was inaugurated at the Domus Fraternal Retreat House in Rome.  This training space is promoted by the International Academy of Catholic Leaders, in collaboration with Somos Community Care, the International Network of Catholic Women Leaders, and with the academic support of the Pontifical Antonianum University.

The opening day was marked by a profound spirit of communion and commitment. The ceremony was presided over by Venezuelan Cardinal Diego Padrón, former president of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela; Father Andrés Ramos, director of the Office of University Pastoral Care of the Archdiocese of Madrid; and the Academy’s executive director, Lara Bersano.

In his address, Cardinal Padrón highlighted the role of the Academy as a key instrument for transmitting the Christian faith and forming a new generation of Catholics committed to politics,  understood as a space for responsible citizenship. “Power becomes service, and greatness is measured by the ability to bend,” he emphasized.

For his part, Father Andrés Ramos described the Academy’s mission as “a blessing for the Church and society,” highlighting its vocation of service and its calling to be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

The first day of activities was dedicated to current challenges in bioethics and health, with the participation of doctors Paola Binetti, Shariff de Los Santos and Ramón Tallaj, who addressed crucial issues from an ethical and Christian perspective.

Dr.  Binetti presented a paper on Bioethics and the Dignity of Human Life, in which she reflected on the value of life at all stages. “The targeted right to death always affects the most vulnerable,” she warned, adding that this debate constitutes “one of the great battles of contemporary bioethical thought.”

During the afternoon session, Ramón Tallaj and Shariff de Los Santos gave a talk entitled  “Leadership of Hope in Health and Service,” where they shared their experiences as Catholic physicians committed to providing comfort and holistic healing. Tallaj called for “spreading the message of Jesus Christ” and warned about the “common enemy of corruption.” De Los Santos reaffirmed that Catholic professionals are called to be “bearers of hope and holistic healing.”

The International Diploma for Catholic Leaders will run until October 27, including significant moments such as the pilgrimage to the Holy Door, a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and a visit to the tomb of Pope Francis.