EUROPE/ITALY - “From Naples we can say, stronger than before, that anyone who uses the name of God to hate the other, to practice violence, or to wage war, is cursing the name of God ”: International Meeting Men and Religions concludes with Appeal for Peace

Naples(Agenzia Fides) - “ Men and women of different religions, from many parts of the world, we have gathered here in Naples to forge bonds of brotherhood, and call to God for the great gift of peace. The name of God is peace”. This is the opening statement of an Appeal for Peace proclaimed at the end of an International Meeting Men and Religions held in Naples 21 al 23 October promoted by the S. Egidio Community with the Archdiocese of Naples on the theme “For a world without violence- Religions Cultures in dialogue”.
The appeal recalls that violence “is an illness that pollutes every thing … Violence becomes war, terrorism, poverty and despair, exploitation of our planet. It is fuelled by contempt, it stuns people with hatred, it kills hope and sows fear, it strikes down the innocent, and debases humanity. Violence seduces the hearts of human beings and tells them, “nothing can change”. This pessimism makes people believe that living together is impossible..
“ From Naples we can say, stronger than before, that anyone who uses the name of God to hate the other, to practice violence, or to wage war, is cursing the name of God” the appeal continues citing Pope Benedict XVI: “Never can evil and violence be justified by invoking the name of God”. In the face of “pessimism rising from the 20th century with its weight of war and shattered illusions” the participants say “ We need the strength that comes from the spirit of love, which helps rebuild and mend the unity of humankind. The power of the spirit changes the hearts of men and women and transforms history”. Dialogue opens the way for hope and without eliminating differences, “enriches life and dispels pessimism that makes one see the other as a threat ”.
To build and guarantee the unity of the human family “brave builders, in all cultures, and in all religious traditions. We need the globalisation of the spirit, which reveals to us what we no longer see: the beauty of life and of the other, in all circumstances, even the hardest. Our religious traditions teach us that prayer is an active power in history, and it moves peoples and nations. Humbly, we offer this ancient wisdom to the service of all peoples, of every man and every woman, to open a new era of freedom from fear and contempt for the other. It is the spirit of Assisi, and here, from Naples, full of courage and strength, it challenges violence and any abuse of religion as a pretext for violence.”
In his concluding discourse the Archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, summarised the rich contents of the Meeting: “During this significant event we have expressed hope for dialogue able to open new paths of universal brotherhood and launch a courageous challenge of meaning to the men and women of today, that they may make their armour meekness, goodness and friendship… This Meeting was born of the beatitude of meekness, the power of dialogue, the titanic courage of non violence … peace is possible it is the universal heritage of humanity without frontiers of race, religion or culture; it is the only hope for a new heaven and a new earth”.

Cardinal Sepe then made “a solemn promise”: “We promise to ensure that this willingness for dialogue indispensable for building a new world of justice and peace does not fall into oblivion. Our promise is concretised today in the intent to institute here in Naples a Forum to Study and Research paths necessary for dialogue and peace for our city, for the Mediterranean, for the different and fascinating peoples who live on the shores of “Mare nostrum”. Today we hope to realise a permanent structure of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, to open the doors of Naples to the difference in peoples, and the difference in peoples to the riches of Naples. We have in our heart one desire: for Naples to become the Mediterranean capital of dialogue. This is our dream! In continuity with Assisi, the spirit of Naples will continue to be leaven of peace and brotherhood for everyone.” During the closing press conference, Prof. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the S. Egidio Community, announced that there are plans to hold the next Meeting in Cyprus. “From Cyprus one looks at the near Middle East-Riccardi said -. It is a major frontier which can become a bridge between east and est, north and south. The Meeting in Cyprus will aim to measure dialogue and peace with the vicinity of the sounds of war. The choice of Cyprus, moreover, falls in the year which the Catholic Church has dedicated to Saint Paul”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2007; righe 43, parole 662)