The weapons of peace

"What is "made" in the Arsenal of Peace? What is built? The weapons of peace, which are encounter, dialogue, and welcome, are handcrafted." The words of Pope Francis - addressed to the Fraternity of Hope in the audience of January 7, 2023 - indicate the conscious and daily choice of good, which is expressed in gestures of solidarity, welcome, and friendship.

On the wall of "Disarming Goodness" in the main courtyard are the names of many countries that live in a context of war.
It is not weapons that make the difference. Those who believe in peace are called to bear witness with ever greater force to the reasons for their choices, their convictions, the good that is possible, within our reach. Everyone can do it, especially young people.
"Never before has peace cried out its urgency, the peace that our Constitution indicates as an indispensable objective, the peace of which the European Union is a historic expression. Peace that does not mean submitting to the arrogance of those who attack other countries with weapons, but the peace of respect for human rights, the peace of the right of every people to freedom and dignity. Because it is right.
And because it is the only guarantee of true peace" reminds us our President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

However, it takes the courage to get involved, to pay in person if necessary. I am convinced that this is the most significant message that can be given in a world that seems to be moving in the direction of arrogance and violence. It almost seems that compassion, putting yourself in other people's shoes, kindness itself are feelings from a museum, but that is not the case. If we think about it, it is the most human thing there can be. It is important and necessary to continually start again, not by indulging in the evil that is outside, but also within us.

Whoever enters the Arsenal of Peace can see on their right a drop of water that continually digs away a large boulder. It is the representation of the good that, drop after drop, transforms the harsh reality of everyday life into a new creation. A long process that, slowly but surely, can transform consciences, forming and educating us to good.
 

Ernesto Olivero
Editorial
NP April 2025