As an Arab-Christian from a predominantly Muslim country, exploring Florence feels truly magical. The ringing of church bells and the beautiful religious art on the city's buildings, depicting the Madonna and Child or various saints, are simply mesmerizing. Catholicism is deeply embedded in Italian culture, influencing everyday life through lively religious festivals, stunning art, and historic architecture. While speaking with Italians during my stay, I discovered just how integral religion is to their society, shaping their cultural practices and social norms.
Natali and her friends in Giardino Bardini overlooking Florence, Italy.
One common theme I have noticed about religion while studying abroad in Florence is how religion intersects with political issues. I witnessed the intersection of religion and politics, particularly regarding the war in Gaza. There have been public displays of solidarity with Palestine. I've seen graffiti on the walls and demonstrations where people proudly wave the Palestinian flag, wear keffiyehs, and shout "Palestina Libera." Pope Francis is actively promoting peace through demands for a ceasefire, to end the war, and public prayers for Palestine. Additionally, I noticed Friday prayers for peace being held in mosques in Florence and other Italian cities. The pope's strong advocacy and the general public's support for a ceasefire demonstrate how religion interacts with politics.
This theme is important to my experience because it showcases how religious beliefs and institutions can shape perspectives on political issues and drive social activism. I saw how religious sentiments could transcend national borders and inspire collective action, whether through public demonstrations, religious ceremonies, or influential figures like the pope using their platform to advocate for peace. This interplay between religion and politics challenged me to consider the complex dynamics and how faith can be a powerful force in shaping narratives and mobilizing support on global issues.
Collage of posters, signs, and graffiti showing Italian support of Palestine.
Another theme is how influential Catholicism is in Italian society. Despite a decline in personal religious adherence, particularly among younger generations, Catholic traditions and customs remain deeply ingrained in the societal fabric, shaping cultural practices and social norms; such as not eating meat on Fridays.
However, I’ve also noticed varying degrees of religiosity across different regions of Italy. With its proximity to the Vatican, cities like Rome exhibited a stronger religious connection to Catholicism, exemplified by strict dress codes and reverence in churches. In contrast, cities like Florence, while historically significant for Catholicism, displayed a more secular attitude.
The influence of Catholicism is evident through the intersection of religion and social issues. Italy’s engagement with topics such as abortion rights and feminism revealed the dynamic interplay between religious beliefs and social movements. Conservative Catholic groups aligned with center-right political parties have advocated for stricter abortion laws, while pro-choice activists have countered with protests and campaigns. The clash between conservative religious groups and progressive movements highlights the challenges of reconciling deeply held values with evolving societal norms. This adds to the complexity of societal change, particularly in addressing ingrained attitudes and beliefs alongside legal reforms.
A tapestry from Musée de la cathédrale de Milan featuring Jesus Christ on the cross, surrounded by many other figures.
From my experience studying abroad, I will carry forward a deeper appreciation for the role of religion in shaping societies and the subtlety of cultural expression. I have witnessed firsthand how religious traditions can persist despite shifting personal beliefs, and how they can both influence and be influenced by social and political movements. I've always been a curious and involved person, but this particular experience changed how I noticed a community or country that differs from mine. Intangible issues like religion or politics are observed everywhere and affect everything but are not necessarily seen or known. My approach to these topics is more nuanced, acknowledging the complexity of balancing conflicting values and beliefs while striving for positive societal change.
Looking back, I had a great time writing about my observations. As opposed to the research papers we write for our courses, the reflections I wrote for Doyle Global Dialogue required a more conversational and intimate writing approach. It was written in a totally different style from what I usually write. Thus, I had a great time expressing myself and letting my ideas flow more constructively and reflectively.
I believe these monthly reflections have truly helped me pay closer attention to my surroundings. If it weren't for the prompts encouraging me to pay attention to my surroundings, I would have missed important details. The monthly reflections remind us of the long-lasting influence of religion on society and the value of promoting mutual understanding and open communication when addressing the intersections of faith, culture, and social progress.
Natali and her sister with purple and red sports scarves supporting the local Florence soccer club at a game.
Natali Fanik (SFS’25) is a junior at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Qatar, majoring in international history. She was born in New Jersey but is originally from Jordan and Palestine. As an Arab-Christian minority, she has a great appreciation for the complexity of Middle Eastern identity and heritage. Her academic studies concentrate on the history of Christian ethnic groups in the Middle East. Exploring the region's traditions, struggles, and accomplishments has broadened her understanding of history and fostered a strong bond with her heritage. She is excited to share her experiences and perspectives as an Arab-Christian minority student studying in a predominantly Christian country. She is eager to learn about the many cultures and faiths and to see how her identity fits within this context. Through her studies, she hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusivity to promote awareness and respect for the diverse array of cultures and religions that have shaped our world. She studied abroad in Italy as part of the spring 2024 Doyle Global Dialogue cohort.
