Istanbul hosts the annual meeting of the Franciscan Mediterranean Network

From the 24th-27th March 2026, the annual meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Franciscan Mediterranean Network (RFMed) took place in Istanbul, at the friary of the Friars Minor of Santa Maria Draperis.

The choice of Istanbul is no coincidence; it is a bridge between East and West, a meeting place of cultures and religions, it represents today more than ever a concrete sign of dialogue and a call for peace in a global context marked by tension and conflict.

The meeting opened with a visit to Büyükada, on the Sea of Marmara, where participants met the fraternity of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Gemona, and learned firsthand about the reality of the "Citadel of Flowers." In this context, listening directly to stories of migration offered a concrete glimpse into the dynamics of suffering and hope that pervade the Mediterranean today. This experience has fuelled the desire to further strengthen the network, starting with the real lives of people.

The Committee's work was structured around moments of mutual listening and sharing of the mission. Particularly noteworthy was the testimony of the friars working in Istanbul, Friars Felianus Dogon, Guardian of the fraternity, and Antonius Duma, who presented the core of their pastoral service.

The days were primarily dedicated to evaluating the network's three main areas—migrants, dialogue and peace, and youth—with a review of activities undertaken in 2025 and planning for the two-year period 2026–2027. The annual report was also presented and RFMed's communications strategies were reviewed.

A significant contribution came from Br. Eunan McMullan, who illustrated the activities of Franciscans International, offering a broader perspective on Franciscan commitment globally.

The meeting was further enriched by the connection with Father Alexis Leproux, from Marseille, head of the Mediterranean Ecclesial Coordination, with whom it was possible to present the network and strengthen the bonds of collaboration between the various ecclesial entities in the Mediterranean basin.

These days have confirmed the urgency and value of continuing to build relationships, promote dialogue, and support paths to peace in a space—the Mediterranean—that remains a crucial frontier for fraternity amongst all peoples.