By Midhun J Francis
Rome, June 12, 2023: The World Meeting on Human Fraternity, held under the theme “Not Alone,” was attended by influential figures and Nobel laureates. The June 10 event, organized by the Vatican Foundation in collaboration with St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, aimed to promote fraternity, dialogue, and peace.
One of the highlights of the gathering was Pope Francis’ inspirational speech, emphasizing the importance of fraternity in building a harmonious world. Cardinal Pietro Parolin also expressed optimism about the Pope’s health and his eagerness to resume his work. This article provides an overview of the event and highlights the key messages from Pope Francis’ speech.
In his address to the participants, Pope Francis stressed the significance of fraternity as the foundation of collective journey towards peace. Drawing from the words of St. Francis of Assisi, he highlighted that God is present where a sense of brotherhood exists. The Pope also stressed the need to move beyond seeing others as mere numbers or objects to be exploited and instead recognize their inherent dignity and worth.
The pontiff emphasized that addressing the world’s conflicts and divisions requires more than superficial adjustments; it necessitates a profound spiritual and social commitment centered on fraternity.
Concrete gestures and shared decisions are essential to cultivating a culture of peace. Pope Francis urged each individual to reflect on what they can contribute to their brothers and sisters, encouraging acts of reconciliation, prayer, assistance to those in need, and spreading words of peace.
The fragility and preciousness of fraternity were highlighted by the Pope, underscoring how it acts as an anchor of truth amidst conflicts. By invoking the image of brothers and sisters, Pope Francis reminded the world that the feeling of fraternity is stronger than hatred and violence. It unites humanity through shared pain and serves as a catalyst for countering falsehoods. The Pope called for continuous efforts to reject war and uphold peace in the name of God and every individual aspiring to a harmonious world.
Pope Francis underscored that embracing fraternity leads to transformative changes in policies and societal values. Putting the person’s welfare above profit and prioritizing the preservation of the environment becomes paramount. The Pope advocated for just wages, welcoming attitudes, hope, justice, and the healing of past injustices through encounters between victims and perpetrators. By choosing fraternity, societies can shift their focus from personal gain to the common good, fostering a future rooted in shared humanity.
Among those present were former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos who expressed hope that dialogue and cooperation among nations would prevail over conflicts. Former Costa Rican president Oscar Arias Sanchez drew attention to the urgent need for negotiation in war-torn regions, such as Ukraine. Bengali economist Muhammad Yunus emphasized the importance of reevaluating global paths and redesigning our direction as a society.
Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman emphasized the importance of amplifying messages of fraternity, fostering a deeper understanding of its true meaning. She called for support to those sacrificing and struggling for freedom, justice, democracy, and peace, rather than favouring leaders who undermine these values.
The meeting served as a platform to nurture a culture of fraternity, dialogue, and peace. The event brought together diverse personalities and youth from around the world to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts towards a more harmonious future. The meeting ended with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and action, with participants pledging to take the messages of fraternity and peace back to their communities and work towards positive change.
To ensure the sustainability of the momentum generated by the event, the organizers announced the establishment of the Fraternity Fund. The fund aims to support initiatives that promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among individuals and communities, fostering a culture of peace and solidarity.
Additionally, a series of follow-up activities were announced, including regional conferences, interfaith dialogues, and educational programs focused on promoting fraternity and peace. These initiatives aim to engage a broader audience and encourage grassroots movements that can make a significant impact at the local level.
The event also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and digital platforms to connect individuals and communities worldwide. It emphasized the need for responsible and ethical use of technology to foster unity, empathy, and understanding, while also addressing the challenges and risks associated with its misuse.
The meeting served as a powerful platform to promote fraternity, dialogue, and peace. It not only sparked important conversations but laid the groundwork for concrete actions and initiatives to promote fraternity and peace.