The Assisi Gathering: a Renewed Commitment to Peace
The Assisi Gathering: a Renewed Commitment to Peace
The meeting of world religious leaders and many other distinguished participants, which began on the 25th of October in Assisi, Italy, concluded on Tuesday evening, 27th October, with a message titled, APPEAL FOR PEACE, read to the hearing of all. Although the programme has ended, the journey towards a more peaceful world must continue, and our efforts to achieve this goal must be intensified.
The Assisi gathering was extraordinarily successful, thanks to Sant’Egidio Community and generous sponsors. The coming together of people of different faiths, the fraternal atmosphere, and the spirit of friendly sharing, that transcended religious differences were quite inspiring and illuminating. Each faith community had the opportunity to pray in its own way, in designated places for peace in the world.
The grand finale was the gathering together of all the religious groups in the square of the Basilica of St. Francis, to celebrate peace and to encourage one another to continue promoting it, regardless of the challenges and obstacles that may arise.
A message from Pope Leo XIV was conveyed by video. Among other things he affirmed that “no war is holy, only peace is holy.” He also urged everyone to “cultivate a spirit of mediation and dialogue, and contemplative reflection combined with creative action in the service of a future of peace.” He prayed that God would make all of us unarmed instruments of His peace.
Tuesday morning was also devoted to panel discussions which provided further opportunities for reflection, dialogue and the exchange of ideas in the pursuit of peace.
We thank God that the Assisi gathering has once again demonstrated that we can all “work toward the future, filled with hope and conviction that peace is possible!”
The beauty of interreligious harmony was evident in the many photographs thoughtfully captured by participants
May the wonderful spirit of Assisi extend far beyond this gathering, inspiring our individual and collective efforts to build a more peaceful world, and to pursue lasting peace for all humanity
