VATICAN CITY, SEP 13, 2005 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano sent a message, in the name of Benedict XVI, to participants in the 19th "International Meeting on Men and Religions" promoted by the Sant'Egidio Community. The theme of this year's gathering is: "The courage to forge a spiritual humanism of peace."
In the message - addressed to Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, archbishop of Lyon, France, where the meeting is being held from September 11 to 13 - Cardinal Sodano writes that the Pope "eagerly unites himself through prayer with all the people gathered to reflect and pray for peace and for friendship among peoples."
The Holy Father, the message continues, "asks the men and women of our time, especially the young, to have the courage to commit themselves ever more actively in favor of peace and dialogue, which alone can enable the future of the planet to be planned with hope. Violence, whatever form it takes, cannot be the way to resolve conflicts; it places a heavy mortgage on the future and respects neither individuals nor peoples."
At the end of the text the Pope expresses the hope "that the men and women of today may implore the gift of peace from God, trusting in Christ's promise: 'peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.' Thus, may they be able to accept all the requirements of peace, and become founders of peace."
MESS/PEACE:SANT'EGIDIO/BARBARIN VIS 20050913 (250)
