Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) – “Let’s empower hope! Peace is possible, and peace is a duty!”. This appeal comes from the association of lay Franciscans of Italy who state: “deeply concerned by so many wars afflicting humanity, we want to draw attention to the conflict in the Holy Land which is now a sad emblem because of the intensity and means which is it fought ”. A copy of the appeal, addressed to the President of Italy Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi, was sent to Fides. The authors say the war in the Holy Land “causes a destructive short circuit” and “demonstrates the uselessness of force to solve conflict ”.
“To fight for peace means to fight for civil harmony because peace means truth and justice and solutions to problems for a dignified life in security and recognition of the dignity of the person against all manipulation ” they say.
The lay Franciscans tell national and European leaders “Europe cannot simply stand and watch it has a duty to overcome the lack of political will and to intervene with decision to reach a peace treaty between Israel and Palestine. We feel the responsibility to pray and organise initiatives to increase public awareness and to support diplomatic activity of governments.”
“To solve the Israel-Palestine conflict international bodies must intervene to ensure full respect for international law and UN resolutions”. Overcoming the logic of retaliation, “it must be said that Palestinians have the same right to freedom, security and dignity as the Israelis and both have the right to development of their respective societies and citizens ”, re-launching the Pope’s cry they say: “The Holy Land needs bridges not walls!”.
As part of this initiative on 15 February for the second year running hundreds of young people all over Italy will take part in a Day of Painting Piazza with Peace day to call attention to the tragic situation in the Holy Land.
(PA) (Fides Service 9/2/2004 lines 34 words 375)
