The ways of peace

During his visit to Kazakhstan in September, Francis indicated the priorities for the future of humanity: peace and youth. The Pope, at the Independence Palace in the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan, speaking after the reading of the Final Declaration at the conclusion of the VII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions also highlighted that: «terrorism of pseudo-religious origin, extremism, radicalism, nationalism cloaked in sacredness still foment fears and worries».

In his speech – in which he touches on themes of the Declaration – the bishop of Rome observes that: «we have walked together. Thank you for coming from different parts of the world, bringing here the richness of your beliefs and cultures. Thank you for having intensely lived these days of sharing, work and commitment in the name of dialogue, even more precious in such a difficult period, which is weighed down by the senseless madness of war in addition to the pandemic". There are “too many hatreds and divisions, too much lack of dialogue and understanding of the other: this, in the globalized world, is even more dangerous and scandalous. We cannot move forward connected and separate, connected and torn apart by too many inequalities. Thank you, therefore, for the efforts aimed at peace and unity".

If peace is lacking, "it is because there is a lack of attention, tenderness, the ability to generate life", argues the Pontiff. And therefore: «it must be sought by involving women more. Because the woman gives care and life to the world: she is the way to peace. We therefore argued for the need to protect her dignity, and to improve her social status as an equal member of family and society. Women must also be entrusted with greater roles and responsibilities ». And then he articulates: «How many death choices would be avoided if women were at the center of the decisions! Let us work to ensure that they are more respected, recognized and involved".


Domenico Agasso
NP October 2022