VATICAN - “In this difficult time of crisis and conflict, religions are called to realize their special vocation of service to peace and coexistence”: Papal Message for Barcelona Prayer Meeting

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “In this difficult time of crisis and conflict, worsened by the increasing extent of the globalization, religions are called to realize their special vocation of service to peace and coexistence.” This is the message from the Holy Father Benedict XVI, conveyed in a letter signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, on the occasion of the International Meeting of Prayer for Peace organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Barcelona. “All peoples, in order to live as an authentic community of brothers and sisters, need to be inspired and supported by the common foundation of spiritual and ethic values. In recognizing God as the source of the existence of every person, religions help society as a whole to promote the inviolable dignity of every human being,” the message continues.
In the message, the Pope highlights that “the selfless service of peace requires all believers to undertake the inescapable priority of prayer as a commitment... In prayer we are also given the chance to learn the language of peace and respect, fortifying the seed of peace God himself has sown in the hearts of men and women, which stands, regardless of all differences of race, culture and religion, as the deepest yearning of all human beings. At the same time, in prayer we can find new spiritual energies that prevent us from being conquered by difficulties and by the snares of evil, from losing heart in the necessary path of dialogue, which may then definitively drive away misunderstandings and distrust, and allow us to continue and build, as brothers and sisters, members of the same human family, the path of harmonious coexistence.”
The International Meeting of Prayer for Peace “Living Together in a Time of Crisis. Family of Peoples, Family of God,” organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Barcelona, is being held October 3-5. There are 3 main themes in the encounter: the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The event features representatives from the Church in Moscow, 9 Cardinals, representatives from 11 Orthodox Churches, and Presidents of the major international associations of Lutherans and Protestants. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/10/2010)