International meeting on peace opens in Assisi

The Community of Sant’Egidio opened an international meeting titled "Disarmed and Disarming Peace" in Assisi on Sunday, October 25. The gathering brings together representatives from major religions, cultural figures, and civil society members to discuss the role of dialogue in a world experiencing frequent conflict. The meeting continues through Tuesday, October 27.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, told Vatican media that religions serve to disarm hearts and build peace. The assembly follows an appeal from Pope Leo XIV during his Sunday Angelus prayer, in which he spoke against wars that impoverish and harm the world. Participants at the inaugural assembly urged religious leaders to accept responsibility in addressing global and daily conflicts.