The History of the Center

The Mondo Migliore Center owes its existence to a series of historical events that are associated with prominent figures from the past fifty years.

Riccardo Lombardi, Jesuit, journalist, a known figure from the "Civiltà Cattolica" journal, began his career as a public lecturer in the first years of the Second World War in many Italian universities, dealing with the rational basis of Christianity, comparing the uncertainty of contemporary philosophy to the certainty of traditional faith.

After World War II Father Lombardi continued his public preaching, oriented to the reconstruction of the Christian society and renewing the spirit, and lecturing in the Italian squares. Starting in Rome in May 1945 he then moved to the missions abroad, to Europe and America. This steadfast dedication gave him the nickname "microphone of God".

The great success of Father Lombardi attracted the attention of Pope Pius XII who had entrusted him the task of writing the radio message of the exhortation to the people of Rome on February 10, 1952 with the goal to stimulate Christian revival.

The enthusiastic approval launched the "Movement for a Better World", which extended throughout Italy and then to another five continents.

Among the book publications, the proximity to the Pope, and tireless preaching, Lombardi started to enliven workshops called "Tutorials for a Better World". He gave courses on spirituality for priests and laypeople on the values of individual conversion and the society through the supremacy of charity: and these are indeed the basis for the "Movement for a Better World".

In 1956 he began his activity in the Pius XII International Center for a Better World (according to the denomination of the time) first as the place for the Movements courses, and then extending their activities by hosting a large variety of guests.

From 1981 the Center rose to the Congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, that run and offer spiritual assistance to their guests.