For next Saturday, June 8, Pope Francis has already sent out an important invitation to all people.
POPE FRANCIS
“Next Saturday, June 8, will mark the fifth anniversary of the meeting, here at the Vatican, of the presidents of Israel and Palestine with me and Patriarch Bartholomew. At 1:00 p.m. we are all invited to dedicate 'one minute for peace.' Prayer for believers and reflection for non-believers. Everyone together for a more fraternal world.”
Pope Francis was referring to this meeting in 2014. It was the first time he invited two opposing political leaders to the Vatican for dialogue and prayer: Israel's President Shimon Peres, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. They were also accompanied by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The prayer for Palestinians and Israelis was held in the Vatican Gardens. First a Jewish representative prayed, then a Christian and finally a Muslim. During the ceremony, music was played to express the longings for peace between Christians, Jews and Muslims. The pope asked all of them to be courageous enough to seek reconciliation.
POPE FRANCIS
“Many, all too many, of those children have been innocent victims of war and violence, saplings cut down at the height of their promise. It is our duty to ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain. The memory of these children instills in us the courage of peace.”
Mahmoud Abbas is still the President of Palestine, but Shimon Peres died in 2016. The hope for peace five years ago seemed closer than it is today.
For this reason, Pope Francis insists on remembering that the world and especially the Holy Land needs peace.
