Rome '2020 Appeal for Peace' is a step in the right direction

Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Home / World / Francis

Published on Saturday, 24 October 2020

By Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org :

With every step that Pope Francis makes, he definitely makes history. Since the start of his pontificate, Pope Francis left no stone unturned in the quest of global peace particularly in areas where conflagration is rampant.

Pope Francis always prayed for countries suffering from violence and wars the latest of which is the war raging in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also strove to cement peace such as the efforts he exerted to seal a peace agreement in South Sudan.

The latest achievements is the " 2020 Appeal for Peace" which was signed in Rome on Tuesday, October 20, by Pope Francis and by religious leaders of the major world religions who gathered in Rome for an international and interreligious Meeting for Peace, "No one is saved alone--Peace and Fraternity".

Leaders of world religions gathered at the International Prayer Meeting for Peace "No one is saved alone--Peace and Fraternity". The title used for the meeting "peace and fraternity" complies with the exigent needs of the world nowadays. When nations worldwide experience genuine fraternity them peace prevails, for all people of this globe are brethren in humanity. It has all the times been noticed that whenever a certain people suffer from disasters or wars, this is negatively reflected on the neighboring countries or rather on the farthest countries in this universe. That is why "no one is saved alone" as the peoples of this universe are likened to people in a boat, since if it sinks then it marks a comprehensive disaster and if saved then it is victory for all. From this premise, all people should work hand-in-hand to preserve the entire world as by doing so it constitutes a step designed to preserve sacred life.

The 2020 Appeal for Peace gathering was held in Rome in “the spirit of Assisi". The believers worldwide were united spiritually and prayed alongside one another to invoke upon our world the gift of peace. Prayers focused on the wounds of humanity caused by wars, violence, depression, poverty, diseases and human trafficking with a demand to the leaders of nations and the citizens of the world appealing for peace.

Prayers also focused on the uncertain times the world is reeling under the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic that threatens peace by aggravating inequalities and fear. That is why under such circumstance no one can be saved alone, namely no people and no single individual. Thus, strenuous and sincere efforts should be exerted to save "the global ship" and to steer it towards the shores of safety.

WHAT ARE THE WORLD'S CONCERNS?

The problems that currently concern world nowadays and need immediate solutions are wars, pandemics, hunger and access to food, global warming and sustainable development, the displacement of populations, the elimination of nuclear threats and the reduction of inequalities.

These are not matters that concern individual nations alone. We understand this better nowadays, in a world that is amply connected, yet often lacks a sense of fraternity. It is important then to loudly reverberate: “No more war!”

It is due time for people of good will to become creative artisans of peace by building social friendship, and launching dialogues that cements the fraternity to which our human family is called.

SEEK THE PRINCE OF PEACE

Jesus is the Prince of Peace? Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace because He restores every broken relationship, provides a well-ordered and balanced life, and offers the assurance of eternal life.

The Holy Bible refers to Lord Jesus saying, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)