PADUA, Italy — A community cleanup in the Italian city of Padua brought together people from different faiths and national backgrounds on 4 October 2026.
Scientology Volunteer Ministers worked alongside members of local Muslim, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities to remove approximately 50 kilograms of waste from the Borgomagno neighbourhood.
The operation focused on public spaces near the railway station where discarded materials had accumulated.
The local effort was one example of interfaith community service in Padua.
The October initiative followed earlier environmental projects in September involving volunteers from different communities.
The cooperation highlights how community service can create opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding across cultural and religious differences.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers programme, established by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard in the 1970s, supports practical assistance and community service.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations, emphasised the connection between cooperation and respect for diversity.
"Respect for different beliefs becomes especially meaningful when it is accompanied by cooperation," Arjona said.
The Padua initiative reflects the Environment broader value of cooperation among citizens regardless of religion or cultural origin.
The Church of Scientology and its affiliated groups are present across the European continent, where volunteers participate in social initiatives concerning education, prevention and community improvement.