Matteo Calisi Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career and Achievements
Matteo Calisi is an influential Italian Catholic leader, theologian, and unifier known for his pioneering role in ecumenical and charismatic renewal movements across Europe and beyond. As founder of the Community of Jesus (Comunità di Gesù) in Bari and co-founder of numerous reconciliation platforms between Catholics and Evangelicals, his dedication to Christian unity and the charismatic experience has reshaped interdenominational dialogue for decades.
Quick Facts about Matteo Calisi
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Matteo Calisi |
Year of Birth | Around the early 1950s (exact date not public) |
Nationality | Italian |
Vocation | Theologian, Evangelist, Ecumenical Leader |
Known For | Founder of the Community of Jesus (1983); pioneer in Catholic-Evangelical unity |
Education | Theology and Byzantine Studies, Ecumenical Faculty of Bari |
Marital Status | Private (not publicly disclosed) |
Estimated Net Worth | $1 million–$3 million (approximate; based on career and publications) |
Base of Ministry | Bari, Italy (originally); active internationally |
Early Life and Formation
Born in Bari, Italy, Matteo Calisi pursued theological and Byzantine studies at the Ecumenical Faculty in his hometown. In the late 1970s, during the burgeoning Catholic Charismatic Renewal, he connected with leaders like Cardinal Suenens and Pastor David du Plessis—pivotal figures who encouraged his ecumenical vision. A supernatural “lapel pinning” moment by du Plessis, symbolizing reconciliation (“70 × 7”), significantly shaped Matteo’s calling to bridge Christian traditions.
Founding the Community of Jesus
In 1983, Matteo founded the Community of Jesus, rooted in worship, evangelism, and reconciliation. This apostolic initiative blossomed across continents—including Europe, Africa, Latin America, and North America—modeled on charismatic renewal with a heart for unity. Its Anglican-patterned structure emphasized both traditional worship and spiritual openness.
Ecumenical Leadership and Influence
Matteo’s influence expanded through formal roles in global Catholic charismatic structures:
- Vice-President, International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS), representing Southern Europe (1993–2004)
- President, Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships (CFCCCF) (2002–2013)
- Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to the Pontifical Council for the Laity (2008–2013)
- Co-President, Italian Charismatic Consultation (CCI) with Evangelical Pastor Giovanni Traettino since 1992, promoting reconciliation and collaboration
Matteo has traveled to over 80 countries, speaking at universities and institutions—including Notre Dame, Princeton, Regent University, and Christ for the Nations Institute.
Publications, Media & Events
As Director of the ecumenical magazine Tempi di Unità (“Times of Unity”), Matteo has authored texts on ecumenism, praise, worship, and charismatic spirituality, with contributions to global theological journals. His influence extends through Christian television, Vatican media, and ecumenical radio networks worldwide—including RAI and TBN.
He also initiated ecumenical conferences such as Kairòs, and contributed to the foundation of movements like CRECES in Argentina alongside other global Christian leaders.
Impact and Legacy
- Built a sustainable ecumenical and charismatic movement through the Community of Jesus
- Advanced Catholic–Evangelical dialogue across Italy and internationally via CCI
- Elevated charismatic participation at the Vatican and Catholic leadership circles
- Shared insights welcomed by top Christian institutions globally
- Received honors for ecumenical leadership, including a Certificate of Merit from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (1996) and the International Fellowship Award at Princeton (2001)
Net Worth
While no official figure is available, Matteo’s decades of global leadership, publications, and conference involvement point to an estimated net worth between $1 million and $3 million—reflecting sustained ministry rather than personal wealth accumulation.
FAQs About Matteo Calisi
1. Who is Matteo Calisi?
Matteo Calisi is an Italian Catholic theologian and ecumenist, founder of the Community of Jesus, and a pioneer in dialogue between Catholics and Evangelicals.
2. How old is Matteo Calisi?
He was likely born in the early 1950s, making him approximately in his 70s as of 2025.
3. What is his net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $1 million–$3 million, based on career contributions and ministry roles.
4. What is the Community of Jesus?
Founded in 1983 in Bari, this international ecumenical community combines charismatic worship with reconciliation-focused mission work.
5. What are his key leadership roles?
Notable roles include Vice-President of ICCRS, President of CFCCCF, member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, and Co-President of the Italian Charismatic Consultation.
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