This year’s celebrations hold unprecedented significance: May 8th marks the first anniversary of the election of Pope Prevost to the papacy. This coincidence strengthens the bond between Pompeii—a beacon of peace distinguished by the word "PAX" on its facade—and the evolving journey of the universal Church.
The legacy of Blessed Bartolo Longo, the layman who founded Pompeii’s social works, is deeply rooted in the principles of Rerum Novarum. Just as Leo XIII addressed the Industrial Revolution by defending the dignity of labor, UCID argues today that the "social question" has shifted from the factory floor to the digital cloud.
"Work is an essential human need, not just an economic one," states Nino Apreda, President of UCID Naples, Pozzuoli, and Ischia. "It is about relationships, community, and shared dignity. In the era of Artificial Intelligence, our challenge is to keep the human person at the center of an increasingly algorithmic world."
The upcoming summit in Sorrento, titled "Work in the Era of AI: From Leo XIII to Leo XIV," will explore the ethical implications of the technological revolution.
The Event. Scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM, at the Terrazza delle Sirene in Sorrento.
Key Discussion Points. Led by prominent figures such as Antonino Apreda, Paolo Porrino (National President of UCID), and H.E. Card. Angelo Bagnasco, the dialogue will address how to prevent AI from exacerbating social isolation.
A Symbolic Tribute. During the event, the "Talents of the Marinelli Pontifical Foundry" medals will be awarded, commemorating the Holy Father's apostolic visit to Pompeii.
In an era marked by international conflict and digital fragmentation, Pompeii reaffirms its role as an observatory for the future. UCID’s mission is to demonstrate that no technology, however advanced, can replace the relational dimension of work. The message is clear: building a sustainable future requires a steadfast commitment to human dignity and social fraternity.
