"Church of Rome, Missionary Church": Cardinal Reina opens the Urbaniana's Academic Year

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, delivered the inaugural lecture for the 2026–2027 academic year at the Pontifical Urbaniana University on Thursday, October 29. In his lecture, titled "Church of Rome, Missionary Church," Reina discussed the missionary vocation of the Roman Church from the New Testament through the era of Pope Leo.

Reina noted that the book of Acts concludes with Paul proclaiming the Kingdom in Rome, establishing the city as a place where the Word arrives and then departs. He referenced a 2009 general audience by Benedict XVI, noting that around the year 200, a Roman priest named Gaius could already show visitors the tombs of Peter and Paul.

Drawing on the decree Ad Gentes, the Cardinal stated that every particular Church is sent to non-believers within its own territory. He said that for Rome, mission involves more than increasing religious presence, as the Gospel must encounter the daily life of the city. Reina also reviewed historical milestones in the diocese, including the Diocesan Pastoral Synod convened by Pope John Paul II.