World Prayer for Peace, Assisi

The Community of Sant'Egidio just finished hosting the 20th annual inter-religious world prayer for peace in Assisi, an event that was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1986. Pope Benedict XVI sent a letter on peace to the gathering, and Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community, offered his typically wise and loving remarks.

I found his address at the end of the gathering particularly moving. He is so right in saying that conflict is not our metaphysical destiny, and right in pulling the rug out from the "realism" that finds war the only outcome to the mixing of religion and civilizations in the global theater. Riccardi reminds us that we are destined for peace and it is our obligation to actively seek it.

Find the list of all talks given at the gathering here.