Existential Crossroads: Rome’s Unity against Trump’s Division, and the Lubich Vision

Today it is about the struggle between two visions for the world: either a time of division or a time of unity to meet the greatest challenges facing humanity. No one can meet them alone.

Back in 2nd century BC Rome, if you ticked off the wrong people in the Senate, you might find yourself tossed into the Tiber River—just like poor Gaius Gracchus. His push for land reform ruffled too many feathers, and it ended tragically with his assassination. Not exactly the way you'd want to go, is it?

This ancient tale, a grim reminder of the destructive power of strife, echoes across the millennia, finds a contemporary resonance in the theme of Shape the World Summit in Rome which will begin on 12th June next to the Tiber. But no worries, the proceedings will be civil and no one is expected to be tossed into the Tiber.?

A Divided World

But still, much like the Roman Republic at the time of Gaius, our world stands at an existential crossroads; there is a severe breakdown in dialogue and shared values. The galloping flames of division, further fanned by President Trump, threatens to tear apart the fabric of society that have enabled peaceful development for decades .?

The urgency of this call for unity is underscored by stark economic realities. The World Inequality Lab's data reveals a widening chasm, with the top 1% globally capturing a disproportionate share of wealth, while the bottom 50% struggle to make ends meet. In the United States, for instance, the Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has steadily risen, indicating a growing disparity.?

The rise of protectionist trade policies, championed by Trump, has disrupted global supply chains and hindered economic growth. The IMF's World Economic Outlook has repeatedly warned of the detrimental effects of trade tensions, highlighting the interconnectedness of economies and the need for collaborative solutions.

Furthermore, the astronomical costs of climate change, as documented by reports from the IPCC, are disproportionately borne by vulnerable populations. The economic fallout from extreme weather events, coupled with the long-term consequences of rising sea levels and resource scarcity, threatens to destabilize entire regions and exacerbate existing inequalities. This is not something that can be resolved by superpowers alone, it requires a global alliance of nations to work as one.

We urgently need a new way for unity

In these turbulent times, Rome, the city of empires and republics, now serves as a stage for a different kind of drama. A few weeks ago in St Peter’s square, the weak voice of Pope Francis was heard for the first time after his recent battle with double pneumonia . He remains a beacon of moral clarity. In his 12 years as Pope he has consistently reminded leaders of the need for unity and compassion. He often spoke of the "throwaway culture" and the "economy that kills," echoing the Gaius's concerns about inequality and social justice.

This is the 20th edition of Shape the World Summit. Central to the summit's founding principles is the Economy of Communion (EoC), a vision profoundly shaped by UNESCO peace prize winner, Chiara Lubich, also the founder of the Focolare Movement. Lubich envisioned an economic system rooted in communion, a system where businesses operate not solely for profit, but as instruments of shared prosperity and social transformation.?

This is why the theme of the summit is "Creative Leadership for Dialogue and Social impact". It was inspired by her vision that calls for companies to go beyond mere philanthropy; it calls for a fundamental shift in the very ethos of business, a move from a culture of having to a culture of giving.

The EoC, as Lubich envisioned, is not simply a set of rules, but a lived experience of communion. It emphasizes the importance of building relationships, fostering trust, and prioritizing the well-being of all stakeholders. It calls for businesses to share their profits, create jobs for the marginalized, and promote a culture of reciprocity. This vision, deeply rooted in Christian principles, resonates with the summit's theme on holistic leadership and social justice. Today EoC has broadened its movement to include enterprises of different religious faiths and those who are non-religious.?

We need a new model of global leadership

Recent actions by Trump to upend the ironclad Western alliance, mirror the senatorial battles, creating an environment of extreme instability. It is clear that we have a global crisis of leadership due a breakdown of shared values.?

We need leaders who turn towards a holistic leadership model, which requires trust, transparency, and a commitment to shared values.

In this moment, leaders are called to learn from Rome's history, to avoid the tragic fate of the Gaius. They must embody Lubich's vision, to actively counter the divisive forces that threaten to tear society apart. They must rise above partisan lines, embrace empathy and collaboration, and prioritize the common good before it is too late. They must rebuild trust, restore faith in institutions, and champion a vision of unity that transcends political and ideological divides.

The 200 delegates who hail from the Americas, Asia, Africa will meet in the Pontifical University of Urbaniana in Rome, face the existential choice between unity and division, understand that the fate of the world, much like the fate of the Roman Republic, hangs in the balance. They understand that only by embracing a more balanced and integrated approach, one that actively counter the divisive forces of figures like Trump, and embodies the communion envisioned by Chiara Lubich, can they avert the impending plunge.

They seek to build a new world, not of stone and legions, but of ethical action and collaborative purpose, guided by the enduring lessons of Rome's past and the transformative vision of Chiara Lubich.

#creativechange #leadership #vatican #shapetheworld

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Join me at the Vatican in June for Shape the World Summit as we confront the heart truths about leadership today for social impact. More details here: https://www.consulus.com/event/stws2025/

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