One of the most ambitious cultural and spiritual initiatives of recent years kicked off today from the beating heart of Italian institutions, the Chamber of Deputies: "Caminhos de Paulo-The Paths of Paul," the tourism project that transforms the Apostle of the Gentiles' journey into an authentic experience among faith, memory and the rebirth of Southern Italy.

The official launch, held at 5:30 p.m. in the Montecitorio Press Room, featured well-known faces from politics and the world of journalism, in an atmosphere that alternated between sincere emotion and institutional pride. Taking the floor first were the Honorable Franco Tirelli and Fabio Porta, who were elected abroad and strongly emphasized how much this project also and especially speaks to the millions of Italians in Latin America. "Religious tourism is fundamental for Italy. Think of Brazil: 250 million people, an immense potential," Tirelli recalled. "We need to create bridges, not borders."

Sealing the symbolic value of the project was journalist Andrea Ruggeri, president of GIA-Giornalisti Italiani Associati and creator of the initiative, who with passion and transport recounted the almost mystical genesis of this "journey within a journey": from Syracuse to Rome, passing through the most touching places of southern Christianity. Ruggeri did not only speak about tourism, but he delivered a powerful message: "Italians in the world are our real strength. Caminhos de Paulo is a project of faith, but also of redemption for our South. A forgotten South 11 months of the year, and remembered only in August."

A journey that will not be limited to summer tourism, but will offer weekly departures throughout the year (excluding August), precisely to intercept the desire for authentic spirituality, away from the masses and close to the soul of the places. "Those looking for a trip like this," said Ruggeri, " do not need the beach, but real emotions, crafts, history, memory.

TXT Viaggi Vice President Patrizia D'Aguì gave voice to the Calabrian territory, the operational and symbolic heart of the project: "We welcomed this proposal with enthusiasm, because it is a concrete opportunity for young people, for those who want to stay and believe in our land. This project is a milestone, and I am not exaggerating when I say that today, as the apostle Paul did, a new message for Italy starts from Reggio Calabria."

The itinerary is a mosaic of sacred places and breathtaking landscapes: from the catacombs of Syracuse to the evocative power of the Calabrian landscapes, from cruising among the Aeolian Islands to the allure of Campania and the Appian Way, to grandiose Rome and the Vatican. But it is also a cultural journey, with theatrical performances, craft markets, tastings of typical products and moments of reflection.

The international response? Incredible. Tour operators from Brazil, Argentina, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and even Los Angeles and New York have already expressed interest. "Even the National Italian American Foundation is supporting us," said Ruggeri, "and this is just the beginning."

Today, "Caminhos de Paulo" is much more than a tourist package. It is a powerful idea that combines spirituality, cultural diplomacy and territorial pride. It is proof that when the heart beats fast for a project, even geographic boundaries become just stops along the way.

A path, indeed. And Paul, once again, leads it.