VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- In a letter made public by the Vatican on January 22, Pope John Paul II paid homage to Chiara Lubich, the founder of the Focolare movement, who was celebrating her 80th birthday.

    On the same day, Lubich was recognized as an honorary citizen of Rome. Mayor Francesco Rutelli formally conferred that title on her in a ceremony attended by Romano Prodi, the president of the European Union, and a crowd of Focolare members.

    The Holy Father described Lubich as "a message of unity and mercy among so many brothers and sisters, in all the corners of the world." He also praised Focolare, noting that the movement promotes "brotherly communion" and helps its members to become "joyful and credible witnesses to the Gospel."

    Founded in 1943 in the Italian city of Trent, the Focolare movement encourages lay people to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus through prayer and the reading of the Scriptures. The particular focus of the movement is on prayer for Christian unity and inter- religious dialogue. The Focolare movement now counts 1 million members worldwide.