In 1986 John Paul II promoted the first meeting of the great orld religions on the hill of Assisi. That prayer for peace was more than just a hope. It still lives in the people's memory as the mark of the end of the Cold War.
Year after year the Community of Sant'Egidio has reproposed the "Spirit of Assisi" in the Prayers for Peace which took place in the major European cities and in Jerusalem. Every year John Paul II has sent to the participants his messages - here gathered - which are contributions to the history of peace.
In the Meetings for Peace organised by the Community of Sant'Egidio, men and women of different religious traditions dialogued beyond thier historic divisions. Identities did not get confused. There was instead deep unity in the desire for peace which is at the roots of every religion. "Peace is God's name": war is the mother of any poverty. |