Pope Issues Invitation For Religius Summit on World Peace

Voice of America, November 18, 2001

Pope John Paul has invited world religious leaders, particularly Christians and Muslims, to a peace summit in Italy in January.

The pope told a congregation at the Vatican on Sunday he is calling the meeting out of concern about the continuing worldwide effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

The pope envisions the summit as a daylong prayer for peace on January 24 at the birthplace of Saint Francis in Assisi. Saint Francis is revered by Catholics as a symbol of reconciliation.

The 81-year-old pontiff said he hoped religious leaders would be able to work for what he called "the promotion of authentic peace." He also said religion in his words "should never become a motive for conflict, hatred and violence." Pope John Paul called a similar meeting of world religious leaders, also in Assisi, 15 years ago. At that time, nearly all parties in armed conflicts around the world responded to an appeal for peace by laying down their arms for 24 hours.

The pope is also calling on Catholics around the world to fast for one day on December 14, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the monthlong holiday of fasting for Muslims.

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