Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

For three days, Paris hosted several thousand participants from around the world for the 38th "International Meeting for Peace," organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio from September 22-24. Pope Francis addressed the gathering in a message read during a closing event at Notre Dame Cathedral on September 24.

"The risk that the many conflicts will dangerously spread instead of ending is more than real," said Pope Francis. He added, "I take up your cry and that of the many people affected by war, and I address it to political leaders: Stop the war! Stop the wars! We are destroying the world! Let us stop while there is still time!"

High-level attendees included French President Emmanuel Macron, Sant’Egidio’s founder Andrea Riccardi, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris, Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, Chems-Eddine Hafiz (rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris), and Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia.

Franco-Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf spoke about the suffering in Lebanon as conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated. Macron emphasized a need to enter into a "creative dynamic" to "imagine peace." He stressed that before imagining peace, there is a need to humanize the world again through understanding and patience.

"This path is indispensable. The religions you represent here play a fundamental role in this respect," Macron said. He highlighted France's commitment to helping religious communities in regions like the Middle East.

Macron also joined Sant’Egidio leaders and other religious figures at a dinner where they discussed various conflicts including Ukraine and Lebanon. The Community of Sant’Egidio has been active among homeless individuals, migrants, and elderly people. It has facilitated numerous successful peace negotiations in countries such as Albania, Guatemala, Kosovo, and Mozambique.

In his speech in Paris, Riccardi called for rediscovering a culture of peace. "Talking about peace in these times may seem like a dreamer’s task," he noted. He emphasized imagination as key to creating alternatives to endless cycles of war.

Archbishop Ulrich recounted his recent visit to the Holy Land and praised those who continue educating children and caring for others despite ongoing conflict. He also mentioned successes like the Paris Olympic Games and efforts to restore Notre Dame Cathedral as examples showing that imagining peace is achievable.

Twenty-one roundtable discussions were held on September 23 across various locations in Paris with testimonies from 150 religious and political leaders. Marco Impagliazzo described these forums as “a laboratory for listening and dialogue.”

Valérie Régnier highlighted that there are currently “59 ongoing conflicts,” noting an increase since 1945 but expressing hope through Sant’Egidio’s efforts over years. Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi represented Ukraine at the meeting emphasizing that despite fatigue from prolonged conflict, there remains an important role for churches in regaining peace.

The meeting concluded with participants praying for peace according to their religious denominations at different locations on September 24. Christians gathered at St. Severin Church before crossing Seine River to Notre Dame Cathedral.

"We must keep religions away from becoming tools that fuel nationalism or populism," Pope Francis remarked in his message sent to attendees. The ceremony ended with a minute's silence for victims of wars followed by an exchange of signs of peace.