Assisi: Pope Francis' appeal for peace
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis
on Tuesday made an appeal for peace at the closing ceremony of the World Day of
Prayer for Peace gathering in Assisi saying, "nothing is impossible if we
turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace."
Below find the English
translaton of Pope Francis' appeal for peace.
Appeal for Peace of His
Holiness Pope Francis
Piazza of Saint Francis,
Assisi
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Men and women of various
religions, we gather as pilgrims in the city of Saint Francis. Thirty
years ago in 1986, religious representatives from all over the world met here
at the invitation of Pope John Paul II. It was the first such solemn
gathering that brought so many together, in order to affirm the indissoluble
bond between the great good of peace and an authentic religious attitude.
From that historic event, a long pilgrimage was begun which has touched many
cities of the world, involving many believers in dialogue and in praying for
peace. It has brought people together without denying their differences,
giving life to real interreligious friendships and contributing to the
resolution of more than a few conflicts. This is the spirit that animates
us: to bring about encounters through dialogue, and to oppose every form of
violence and abuse of religion which seeks to justify war and
terrorism. And yet, in the years that have followed, numerous
populations have nonetheless been painfully wounded by war. People do not
always understand that war harms the world, leaving in its wake a legacy of
sorrows and hate. In war, everyone loses, including the victors.
We have prayed to God, asking
him to grant peace to the world. We recognize the need to pray constantly
for peace, because prayer protects the world and enlightens it. God’s
name is peace. The one who calls upon God’s name to justify terrorism,
violence and war does not follow God’s path. War in the name of religion
becomes a war against religion itself. With firm resolve, therefore, let
us reiterate that violence and terrorism are opposed to an authentic religious
spirit.
We have heard the voice of
the poor, of children and the younger generations, of women and so many brothers
and sisters who are suffering due to war. With them let us say with
conviction: No to war! May the anguished cry of the many innocents not go
unheeded. Let us urge leaders of nations to defuse the causes of war: the
lust for power and money, the greed of arms’ dealers, personal interests and
vendettas for past wrongs. We need a greater commitment to eradicating
the underlying causes of conflicts: poverty, injustice and inequality, the
exploitation of and contempt for human life.
May a new season finally
begin, in which the globalized world can become a family of peoples. May
we carry out our responsibility of building an authentic peace, attentive to
the real needs of individuals and peoples, capable of preventing conflicts
through a cooperation that triumphs over hate and overcomes barriers through
encounter and dialogue. Nothing is lost when we effectively enter into
dialogue. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer.
Everyone can be an artisan of peace. Through this gathering in Assisi, we
resolutely renew our commitment to be such artisans, by the help of God,
together will all men and women of good will.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét