The Archdiocese of Milan unveiled plans on May 11 for a new “Ambrosian Monastery” in the former Expo 2015 district, a project described by its designers as a space for interfaith dialogue, cultural events and “reflection” that will combine a Catholic church with multireligious facilities.

The complex, designed by the architect Stefano Boeri, will feature a triangular church and cloister, a Library of Religions, a Cloister of Religions and a Garden of Religions in which each monotheistic faith is to be represented by a different plant. The project was presented on May 11 and is intended to host a resident community alongside spaces for dialogue between different religions and forms of knowledge.

Archbishop Mario Delpini linked the initiative to the broader redevelopment of the Milano Innovation District, known as MIND, stating that “there is no human life without transcendence” and “no coexistence, peace or common good without God”. The archdiocese described the monastery as “a space of spirituality, dialogue, and reflection, aimed at fostering encounters among faiths, cultures, and forms of knowledge in the 21st century”.

The decision has provoked concern among traditional Catholics in Italy. Critics, including the Italian outlet La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana, have questioned whether the complex will function more as a multireligious centre than as a distinctly Catholic monastery dedicated to St Ambrose, the great Doctor of the Church and patron of Milan.

The project reflects a wider trend in parts of the Church in Europe towards using sacred spaces for interreligious and cultural initiatives. Similar controversies have arisen in recent years over the use of churches for concerts, exhibitions and interfaith events that some faithful believe blur the unique identity of Catholic worship.

The Archdiocese of Milan has not yet clarified the exact nature of the resident community or the full funding arrangements for the project, which is expected to cost several million euros. Construction is planned in the innovative MIND district, which was developed from the site of the 2015 World Expo and is now promoted as a hub for science, technology and business.

The initiative comes amid ongoing debates in the Church about the proper balance between dialogue with other religions and the clear proclamation of the Catholic faith. Traditional voices continue to emphasise the Church’s unique claim to be the one true Church founded by Christ, as expressed in the Creed and the documents of the Second Vatican Council, particularly Lumen Gentium and Unitatis Redintegratio.

LifeSiteNews has speculatively linked the project to meetings held in 2024 by the Archdiocese of Milan with masonic leaders. “The building bears a distinctly Masonic imprint: according to Archbishop Delpini’s own statements, all religions are effectively treated as equally valid paths to worship God,” said Gaetano Masciullo.

The report cited a February 16, 2024, closed-door meeting held by the Archdiocese of Milan for dialogue between Catholics and Freemasons, attended only by private guests.

“Present at the meeting were the three grand masters of the main Italian Masonic obediences – Stefano Bisi, of the Grand Orient of Italy; Luciano Romoli, of the Grand Lodge of Italy ALAM; and Fabio Venzi, of the Regular Grand Lodge of Italy – together with Archbishop Delpini himself,” Masciullo added, “alongside the controversial Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio and the Franciscan theologian and canon lawyer Zbigniew Suchecki.”

Further details about the monastery’s governance and daily life are expected to be released as the project advances.