Avvenire

December 4, 1968, marks the inception of Avvenire, a newspaper born from the vision of Paul VI. He aimed to create a new platform for Italian Catholics, building on the foundations of two historic publications: L'Italia di Milano and L'Avvenire d'Italia di Bologna. As a former Archbishop of Milan and son of a journalist, the Brescian Pontiff sought to reflect the spirit of the Second Vatican Council through a medium that would provide insightful information and perspectives on the contemporary world. This new daily newspaper was notably connected to the approval of the Inter Mirifica decree on December 4, five years earlier, which addressed the role of mass media in society. This document represented the Church's first positive engagement with mass communication, recognizing it as one of the remarkable inventions of human ingenuity, made possible with divine support. Avvenire embodies this hopeful and constructive outlook. Under the leadership of Leonardo Valente (until 1969) and then Angelo Narducci (who served for 11 years), Avvenire began to amplify the voices of a diverse Catholic community, particularly after the Vatican II Council. This community, vibrant and multifaceted, was deeply involved in various areas of education, culture, and society. The newspaper offered Italian Catholics—and many non-believers—a thoughtful guide through everyday news, enriched by clear ideas and expansive perspectives. Over time, its commitment to international news, cultural content, reader opinions, and social issues became defining features, solidifying its place within the Italian ecclesiastical landscape. As leadership transitioned to Angelo Paoluzzi (until 1981) and Pier Giorgio Liverani (up to February 1983), Avvenire continued to evolve. With Gian Guido Folloni at the helm for seven years and Lino Rizzi from 1990 to 1993, the paper expanded its topics and themes, addressing the growing secularization seen in Western society while maintaining a strong Christian ethos. Dino Boffo's 15-year tenure was marked by dynamic discussions on critical societal themes, including family, education, and the political role of Catholics, amidst significant changes. This period saw the newspaper embrace the internet (1998) and launch popular supplements like We Parents and Sons, and Places of Infinity, along with a children’s publication, Popotus, which has become a biweekly favorite for introducing young readers to current events. A major redesign in May 2002 transformed Avvenire into a more accessible and