Consequences arising as a result of corruption are not often recognized, they said, noting that "one is unaware that an act of corruption is often at the base of a crime."
Because of this, the group aims to intervene and "fill this gap, especially wherever, in the world, corruption is the dominant social system."
With the help of bishops' conferences and local churches, members will also dedicate themselves to investigating a global response to the "excommunication of the mafia" and other similar criminal groups, as well as "the prospect of excommunication for corruption."
Pope Francis himself said in a June 2014 visit to Calabria, a region plagued by mafia activity, called the local criminal branch, known as the 'Ndrangheta, "adorers of evil" and said that those who have chosen this path "not in communion with God. They are 'excommunicated,'" as an invitation to conversion.
Another objective the group will pursue is to "develop the almost-lost relationship between justice and beauty," since "our extraordinary historical, artistic and architectural heritage will be a formidable element supporting educational and social actions against all forms of corruption and organized crime."
They will also seek to promote a political mindset which, in their words, is capable of "enlightening actions towards civil institutions, to ensure that international treaties are effectively enforced and laws are standardized to best pursue the tentacles of crime, which go well beyond state borders."
To this end, the principals of both the Palermo and Merida Conventions against transnational organized crime and corruption will be studied.
Peace and the relationship between peace processes and various forms of corruption will be another area of study, since corruption "also causes a lack of peace."
"A movement, an awakening of consciences, is necessary," the group said. "This is our primary motivation, which we perceive as a moral obligation. Laws are necessary but not sufficient."
Key areas of focus, then, will be education, culture and citizenship, they said, stressing that "we need to act with courage to stir and provoke consciences, shifting from widespread indifference to the perception of the severity of these phenomena, in order to fight them."
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.