Peace Commitment Common

Opening a breach in that great institution that has taken a wrong direction, with the promotion of a pacifist intergroup, is highly noteworthy. According to some, the resolution approved by the European Parliament is a real declaration of war on Russia. If governments are rehabilitating war, we must acknowledge that there is a people who demand peace. If to this people, with its representatives, we add the effort and determination of parliamentarians who are arduously pursuing peace, we can nurture hope for a prospect of peace.

Pope Francis keeps telling us that a third world war is not inevitable. But now more than ever, we need to unite forces between civil society and politicians to reverse the trend desired by arms manufacturers. We want to thank in advance those European politicians, Italian and otherwise, who will put themselves on the line. Marco Tarquinio, elected as an independent within the ranks of the PD, has already declared that he is thinking about it. As much as possible, he must know that many in civil society are on board. Moreover, a call from Catholics for Italy's adherence to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2021 was born from the joint initiative of Acli, Azione Cattolica, Pax Christi, Associazione Papa Giovanni XXIII, Focolari, and Agesci: in essence, it is about bridging the gap between the Pope's clear position and the prevailing indifference and removal experienced in our churches and communities. Today, the adherence has reached over 40 ecclesial entities along with the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy.

A strong and positive signal for the future of Europe comes these hours from the Permanent Council of the CEI. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi said: "While addressing the contingent problems, I would like to open a broader discussion: a 'Camaldoli for Europe' to talk about democracy and Europe. It could also be an opportunity to reflect on the contribution that Catholics primarily, as well as Christians of all denominations, believers of the various religious communities present in Europe today, and humanists who care about the culture of our continent, can make to develop a common consciousness, which broadens the boundaries of hearts and minds and does not yield to the nihilism of the person, with all the consequences that this entails, and to selfish sovereignties. A Europe in the sign of 'Fratelli tutti', cohesive and supportive within itself and open to the world."


Gianfranco Cattai
NP October 2024