(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis sent his greetings on Friday to the participants in the XVI World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, taking place from 2 to 5 February in Bogotá, Colombia.
Pope Francis encouraged participants “in their efforts to promote understanding and dialogue among peoples”.
He made special mention of the peace efforts in Colombia between the government and rebel forces, saying they “can inspire all communities to rise above animosity and division, for ‘when victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promoters of nonviolent peacemaking.’”
The Holy Father concluded his message invoking ‘blessings of wisdom and strength’ on all participants.
“With prayers that nonviolence will thus become the “hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms” (Message for the 2017 World Day of Peace), His Holiness cordially invokes upon all gathered for the Summit meeting the divine blessings of wisdom and strength.”
The message was written by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and sent through the Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero.
Please find below the full text of the message:
Your Eminence,
The Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father Francis, has sent a message to the participants in the XVI World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. I would ask you kindly to communicate what follows to all participants:
His Holiness Pope Francis was pleased to learn that the XVI World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates will be held in Bogotá from 2 to 5 February 2017, and he sends greetings to all present for the occasion. As the participants reflect on the many challenges to peace in the modern world, His Holiness encourages them in their efforts to promote understanding and dialogue among peoples. In a particular way, he trusts that the efforts in Colombia to build bridges of peace and reconciliation can inspire all communities to rise above animosity and division, for “when victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promoters of nonviolent peacemaking”. With prayers that nonviolence will thus become the “hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms” (Message for the 2017 World Day of Peace), His Holiness cordially invokes upon all gathered for the Summit meeting the divine blessings of wisdom and strength.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
With gratitude for your valued assistance and with every good wish,
Respectfully yours in Christ,
Ettore Balestrero
Apostolic Nuncio
(from Vatican Radio)…