Rome, May 24, 2025
With regard to the recent letter, confidential but immediately made public, from the Secretary General of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), Templari Oggi APS wishes to express its regret for the content and tone of the document, which we believe to be harmful and not reflective of the truth of the facts.
From the moment of its publication, we responded promptly and with a constructive spirit, requesting a clarifying meeting with the Italian Episcopal Conference, fully available for a calm and transparent dialogue. Our goal has always been to act with dignity, discretion, and respect for religious authorities, with no intention of causing division or disruption, standing alongside the Holy Roman Church and its Shepherds.
Templari Oggi is a third-sector social promotion association (APS), duly registered with the Italian State, and as such is not subject to any ecclesiastical jurisdiction, except within the framework of mutual respect for roles and autonomy. We are a group of lay faithful who wish to bear witness to the Gospel with a chivalric spirit, in service to the Church and society.
We find it entirely illogical and firmly reject any accusation of being a “source of scandal for the faithful,” and the thousands of Templar volunteers are deeply disturbed and saddened by being unjustly labeled in this way. Not only is this serious accusation unfounded and astonishing, but it certainly must be substantiated in the appropriate forums. On the contrary, we are confident that our discreet and orderly presence in many dioceses in Italy and abroad, our ongoing dialogue with hundreds of bishops and priests, and our participation in moments of prayer, formation, and service, demonstrate a sincere and selfless commitment, increasingly appreciated by a growing number of the faithful.
For these reasons, we have renewed our request for an official meeting with the CEI, expressing our willingness to clarify any misunderstandings and to reaffirm the Templars’ full availability to collaborate with the Church, in mutual respect of each other’s roles and responsibilities.
In particular, this historic moment – as we enter the Jubilee of Hope 2025 – calls us to an even stronger unity. Templari Oggi APS is already officially collaborating with various organizing bodies of the Jubilee, committed to supporting the welcome and safeguarding of the holy places, including the Papal Basilicas and Via della Conciliazione, with our customary seriousness and spirit of service.
We therefore reiterate our utmost openness to dialogue, trusting that truth, charity, and the common good will prevail, at a time when the world needs authentic, responsible witnesses of faith, peace, and unity.
Templari Oggi APS
