International peace meeting opens in Assisi

The Community of Sant'Egidio opened the international meeting "Disarmed and Disarming Peace" on October 25 at the UmbriaFiera in Assisi. More than 380 religious leaders, including imams, rabbis, bishops, cardinals, monks, and nuns, gathered to pray for peace and discuss global challenges.

The meeting occurs during the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. It also marks 40 years since Pope John Paul II first convened leaders of major religions in Assisi on October 27, 1986. Italian President Sergio Matterella sent a message to the inaugural assembly recalling that original gathering as a prophetic event for fraternity and peace.