CHARIS Global Leaders Gather in Rome, Set Vision for Evangelisation and Renewal

Rome, June 5, 2026: Strengthening evangelisation, fostering communion across Charismatic realities, and expanding opportunities for Baptism in the Holy Spirit emerged as key priorities during the five-day Leadership Conference organised by the CHARIS International Service of Communion (CISC) at Il Carmelo, Rome, from May 29 to June 2.

Bringing together Catholic Charismatic leaders from around the world, the gathering focused on prayer, discernment, fellowship, and strategic planning for the future of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Representing India were Archbishop Francis Kalist, Episcopal Advisor of CHARIS India; Chev. Cyril John, Member of the CHARIS International Service of Communion; Mr. Victorjoans, Coordinator of CHARIS India; Sr. Swapana, MSA, Secretary of CHARIS India; Mrs. Elsamma Cyril John; and Sr. Aruna, MSA.

A major highlight of the conference was the Papal Audience held at Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, where approximately 3,000 members of the global Charismatic Renewal gathered with Pope Leo XIV. During the audience, the Holy Father strongly affirmed the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and encouraged leaders to persevere in their mission to renew the whole Church.

Pope Leo XIV identified five core areas of focus: sharing Baptism in the Holy Spirit with others, promoting praise and worship, living according to the Word of God, fostering communion among all Charismatic realities and Christians, and practising charity through love, fellowship, and active service within the Church.

Alongside the Papal Audience, participants engaged in praise and worship, personal testimonies, keynote addresses from renewal leaders, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Around 250 international leaders also participated in strategic sessions centred on praise and worship, Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass, group sharing, testimonies, and fellowship. Discussions explored the mission, vision, and history of CHARIS and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, ecclesial expectations of the movement, evangelisation, missionary discipleship, youth formation, and building communion among diverse Charismatic expressions.

Special emphasis was placed on expanding the reach of Baptism in the Holy Spirit through Life in the Spirit Seminars and strengthening efforts to form missionary disciples across the Church.

Drawing inspiration from the conference, participants identified several priorities for the Church in India. These include conducting Life in the Spirit Seminars across parishes, educational institutions, seminaries, and communities, while strengthening Charismatic Prayer Groups in every parish to support local church renewal.

Attention was also given to establishing Diocesan Services of Communion across dioceses in India to strengthen coordination, communication, and communion at the diocesan level. Expanding Youth United 4 Christ (YU4C) in every diocese, promoting collaboration among retreat centres, covenant communities, ministries, and prayer groups, and developing formation programmes focused on Catholic faith, charisms, leadership, and prayer groups were also highlighted.

Recognising the growing importance of digital outreach, the conference further encouraged equipping ministry leaders with tools for digital evangelisation to engage younger generations more effectively.

Grounded in prayer and discernment, the conference offered a shared vision for strengthening communion, deepening spiritual formation, and advancing the mission of evangelisation within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal across the world and in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter