a united and reconciled world
Pope Francis meets with a delegation
from the European Institute for International Studies, encouraging them to
develop new and creative paths to foster a culture of encounter for peace in
the world.
By Robin Gomes
Pope Francis made the remark to a
13-member delegation from the European Institute for International Studies
(EIIS), a centre for research and education in diplomacy, global governance,
sustainable development and economic growth.
The institute, with centres in
Salamanca, Spain, and Stockholm, Sweden, prepares leaders with a positive
action to make a difference in building a better world.
The occasion of the group’s visit was
to present to the Pope a copy of the volume entitled, “The Culture of
Encounter: International Relations, Interreligious Dialogue and Peace”, which
includes the fruit of the Stockholm Meeting of October 2019. The
Pope thanked the leader of the delegation, Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Bishop
of Stockholm, for the support that the Church in Sweden has given to “this
initiative in favour of promoting dialogue between the religions in service of
the unity of our human family.”
World's religions and the culture of
encounter
Welcoming the efforts of the EIIS in
responding to the opportunities and challenges that this poses for the world’s
religions, the Holy Father underscored the importance of the role of its
academics, diplomats and their colleagues in promoting the culture of
encounter.
“By its very nature,” he said, “your
contribution must be grounded both in reasoned analysis and an orientation to
practical and relational applications and outcomes, with particular concern for
the rights of the poorest and most marginalized.”
Minds and hearts, he said, “need to
be in harmony in pursuing the universal common good and in seeking the integral
development of every man and woman, with no exception or unjust
discrimination.”
Defending human rights of all
The Holy Father stressed that such an
“integrated approach to defending and promoting the rights of all is incumbent
upon both political and religious leaders, for it is precisely a culture of
encounter that can provide a basis to a more united and reconciled world.
“Only this culture, moreover, can
lead to sustainable justice and peace for all, as well as genuine care for our
common home.”
Pope Francis thus encouraged them to
remain committed to the search for new and creative paths leading to the growth
of this culture of encounter, for the sake also of the concord and wellbeing of
future generations.
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
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