In an emotional meeting held at Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Community of Sant’Egidio brought together men and women of faith to reflect on peace and fraternity. This event, full of hope and commitment, was a reminder of the importance of continuing to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation in a world marked by conflict.
A testimony of hope
Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, opened the ceremony by recalling the pain caused by the fire at Notre-Dame, a symbol of spirituality that unites millions. The cathedral, which stands as a place of prayer, also became an emblem of human resilience. “In this city, the Olympic Games have shown the virtues of competition and have sown contagious joy,” said Ulrich, urging everyone to unite on the path to peace.
During the event, the voices of those who have suffered the consequences of war were heard. Gilberte Fournier, a survivor of the Second World War, shared her experience: “War destroys everything. We must not forget the great evil that is war. It is our duty to pass on the memory to the younger generations.” Her testimony resonated strongly, reminding us that peace must not be a distant ideal, but a collective effort.
A message from Pope Francis
In his message, Pope Francis urged all participants to be “artisans of peace.” He stressed that religions must move away from being instruments of conflict and become engines of dialogue and friendship. “Peace awaits its artisans,” proclaimed the Holy Father, emphasizing that in times of war, the task of building peace is more urgent than ever.
The Pope also called on political leaders: “Stop the war! We are destroying the world. It is time to act with wisdom and determination to foster fraternity among peoples.” His message resonated in the hearts of those seeking a future where peace is a reality, not just a wish.
The community in action
Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Community of Sant’Egidio, closed the meeting with a call to action. “Peace is our victory, not against others, but with others,” he said. He stressed the importance of passing on the legacy of peace from one generation to the next, urging everyone to imagine a future free of conflict.
The spirit of unity and hope that permeated the meeting at Notre-Dame is a testimony to the commitment of religious communities and goodwill in the fight for peace. In this sacred place, the commitment of all those present was renewed: to remain builders of peace, tireless in their work of reconciliation and fraternity.
The meeting at Notre-Dame was a powerful reminder that, even in times of uncertainty, dialogue, listening and understanding are essential to building a better future. Let us continue to imagine peace and work together to make it a reality.
