VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI in Naples - “With respect for the differences of the various religions, we are all called to work for peace and to concrete commitment to promote reconciliation among peoples”

Naples (Agenzia Fides) - In Naples on Sunday 21 October after the Mass in Piazza del Plebiscito, Pope Benedict XVI went to the Aula Magna of the Archdiocesan Seminary at Capodimonte, where he greeted the leaders of Delegations in Naples for the International Meeting for Peace promoted by the S. Egidio, being held in Naples 21 to 23 October on the theme : “For a world without violence - Religions and Cultures in Dialogue”. After expressing his appreciation to the host of the Meeting Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe and the archdiocese of a Naples, and to the S. Egidio Community “which devotes itself to promoting dialogue between religions and cultures”, Benedict XVI recalled the Meetings convoked by John Paul II in Assisi, in 1986 and in 2002: leading representatives of various religions were invited to pray for peace, “underlining on that occasion the intrinsic bond which unites authentic religious attitude and keen sensibility for this fundamental good of humanity”.
Pope Benedict XVI continued: “With respect for the differences of the various religions, we are all called to work for peace and to concrete commitment to promote reconciliation among peoples”. This is the authentic "spirit of Assisi", which is contrary to any form of violence and the abuse f religion as a pretext for violence. In the face of a world lacerated by conflicts, in which at times violence is justified in God's name, it is important to reaffirm that religions can never become channels of hatred; never invoking the name of God, can one reach the point of justifying evil and violence. On the contrary, religions can and must offer precious resources to build a peaceful humanity, because they speak of peace to the human heart. The Catholic Church intends to continue along the path of dialogue to foster understanding between the different cultures, traditions and religious learning. I sincerely hope this spirit may spread especially where tensions are strongest, where freedom and respect for others are denied and men and women suffer the consequences of intolerance and misunderstanding.”
Expressing the wish “that these days of work and listening may be fruitful for all”, the Holy Father concluded “May the Eternal God pour out on the participants at the Meeting His blessings, wisdom and love in abundance. May He free the hearts of men from all hatred and all root of violence and render us all artificers of the civilisation of love.”
The Holy Father then lunched with the Cardinals, the Bishops of the Campania Region, the participants at the S. Egidio Meeting and his entourage. In the afternoon the Pope went to Naples Cathedral to pray at the chapel of Saint Gennaro before returning by helicopter to the Vatican. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/10/2007; righe 32, parole 476)