Workshop SPIRIT: A platform for sharing security and religious freedom.

Moments of the Training on December 10, 2024 – Palazzo Valentini, David Sassoli Hall, Rome.

The SPIRIT workshop, held on December 11, 2024, in Rome, represents a platform for sharing on security and religious freedom. This international event brings together experts, institutions, and religious communities to discuss innovative strategies for the protection of places of worship in view of the Jubilee 2025. Through constructive dialogue, the workshop aims to promote resilience and interreligious cooperation, addressing current challenges related to security and freedom of worship.

L’11 dicembre 2024, l’Aula Consiliare “Giorgio Fregosi” di Palazzo Valentini a Roma ha opitato il Workshop SPIRIT, un evento di rilievo internazionale che ha messo al centro il tema della sicurezza dei luoghi di culto e della libertà religiosa. Finanziato dal Fondo per la Sicurezza Interna dell’Unione Europea, SPIRIT si distingue come progetto di riferimento per la sua visione inclusiva, coinvolgendo istituzioni, comunità religiose, esperti di sicurezza e innovatori tecnologici in tutta Europa.
Questo appuntamento cruciale si inserisce in un contesto globale caratterizzato da crescenti tensioni e sfide alla libertà religiosa, offrendo un’occasione unica di confronto in vista del Giubileo 2025, un evento che richiederà strategie di protezione straordinarie per accogliere milioni di pellegrini.

A program rich in content.

The workshop, which has received the sponsorship of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital – as an initiative of particular value and significance – brings together high-profile speakers who have explored the theme of the protection of sacred places from different perspectives, enriching the debate with academic, operational, and institutional contributions.

Massimo Cozzolino, organizer and moderator of the concluding panel, played a crucial role in ensuring a constructive dialogue between the parties.

• Abdellah Redouane (Islamic Cultural Center of Italy), Uriel Perugia (Union of Italian Jewish Communities) and Mons. Derio Olivero (Italian Episcopal Conference) emphasized the fundamental role of interfaith dialogue in building a network of solidarity and shared protection.
• Prof. Roberto Cipriani (Roma Tre University) and Prof. Gabriele Fattori (University of Foggia) provided an in-depth analysis of the relationship between religion and global security, highlighting how protection measures must respect and strengthen the freedom of worship.
• Institutional representatives such as the Prefect of Rome Lamberto Giannini, the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, and the Head of the Department of Civil Liberties and Immigration at the Ministry of the Interior Laura Lega, the Police Chief of Rome Roberto Massucci, and the Commander of the Firefighters of Rome, Adriano De Acutis have outlined the operational priorities in view of the Jubilee, highlighting the crucial role of institutions in the protection of places of worship.

Innovation and collaboration: The keys to success

One of the central moments of the workshop will be the presentation of the results of the European projects SPIRIT, PROTONE and SHRINES, which are developing advanced technological solutions to prevent and mitigate threats to sacred sites. Speakers such as Nikolaos Lalazisis (Kemea), Luigi De Salvia (Religion for Peace – Italy) and Federico Benolli (Fondazione Safe) will illustrate innovative approaches based on vulnerability analysis and the use of cutting-edge technologies.

A model of cooperation

The SPIRIT project is distinguished by its collaborative and inclusive approach, which integrates public and private actors, local administrations, religious communities, and law enforcement agencies. This network of collaboration aims to build shared resilience, addressing the challenges related to security and terrorism together without compromising the fundamental rights of citizens.

A message for the future.

The SPIRIT Workshop was not only a moment of reflection, but also a catalyst for new collaborations and concrete actions. In view of the Jubilee 2025, the project reaffirms itself as a pillar in the protection of places of worship and in promoting dialogue between faith and security.

Editorial