Pope Francis on Sunday traveled to the southern Italian city of Bari on the final day of a meeting entitled “Mediterranean frontier of peace”. During his address to Bishops from 19 Mediterranean countries, the Pope described war as a “madness to which one can never resign oneself.” Don’t raise walls, he said, and don’t accept that one can die at sea without help.
Pope Francis’ address to the Bishop of the Mediterranean in Bari
Dear Brothers,
I am pleased that we can meet you and I am grateful that each of you has accepted the invitation of the Italian Episcopal Conference to take part in this meeting, which assembles the Churches of the Mediterranean. When Cardinal Bassetti presented the idea to me, I readily accepted it, seeing it as an opportunity to begin a process of listening and discussion aimed at helping to build peace in this crucial part of the world. For that reason, I wanted to be present and testify to the importance of the new model of fraternity and collegiality that you represent.
I find it significant that this meeting takes place in Bari, since this city is so important for its links with the Middle East and Africa; it is an eloquent sign of the deeply rooted relationships between different peoples and traditions. The Diocese of Bari has always fostered ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, working tirelessly to create bonds of mutual esteem and fraternity. I purposely chose Bari, a year and a half ago, to meet leaders of Christian communities in the Middle East for an important moment of discussion and fellowship meant to help our sister Churches to journey together and feel closer to one another… Read more »
