Born: 16 July 1937, Italy
Died: NA
Country most active: Vatican City, International
Also known as: NA
Maria Voce is an Italian lawyer and theologian, who served as the president of the Focolare Movement from 7 July 2008, to 31 January 2021. She was elected by the General Assembly of the Movement following the death of its founder, Chiara Lubich, on March 14, 2008. Voce held the position for two non-renewable terms of 6 years each.
Maria Voce became the first woman lawyer in the province of Cosenza. Introduced to the Focolare Movement in 1959, she has been a part of the Focolare community since 1964. In addition to her law degree, she pursued studies in theology and canon law.
Voce actively participated, alongside Chiara Lubich, in updating the movement’s general statutes. She was also involved in Communion and Law, a network of professionals and scholars engaged in the field of justice, originating from the Focolare Movement. As a member of the Abbà School, an interdisciplinary study center, she contributed significantly to its activities.
With a decade-long residence in Turkey from 1978 to 1988, Voce gained direct experience in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. She developed close relationships with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, leaders of other Christian Churches, and the Muslim community.
During her presidency, Voce extensively traveled across five continents to meet Focolare communities, offering support for their religious and social endeavors. Her visits to communities facing challenging situations, particularly in the Middle East, garnered significant attention within the Movement, especially her trips to Syria and Lebanon in May 2019.
On December 7, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Maria Voce as a consultant for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization.