Emmaus Maria Voce was born in Ajello Calabro, Cosenza, Italy, on 16 July 1937. As a law expert, she was a member of the Abba School, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies chaired by Chiara Lubich. In 2000, she was also co-responsible for the international commission, “Communion and Law,” a network of academics and professionals involved in law. From 2002 until their approval, which came in 2007, she worked directly with Chiara Lubich in updating the General Statutes of the Movement.

On 7 July 2008, she was elected president of the Focolare Movement. At the conclusion of the General Assembly where she was elected, Maria Voce was received by Pope Benedict XVI at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, together with the Co-President Giancarlo Faletti and international representation of the Movement. On 23 April 2010, Pope Benedict XVI received her in a private audience. The pope spoke of the “charism that builds bridges, that makes unity” and recommended that the Movement continue in implementing the charism with renewed commitment through an ever-deeper love and striving for holiness.

In October 2008, she participated and spoke at the Synod of Bishops on “The Word of God in the life and mission of the Church.” On 24 November 2009 Benedict XVI appointed her as a Consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

She has made several trips to meet communities of the Movement around the world and to continue contacts with people in civil and ecclesiastical environments, in cultural and political environments, and in ecumenical and interreligious environments. These important steps strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation constructed during almost 70 years of the Focolare’s life and they bring newer developments on the path to brotherhood.