Pope Benedict XVI sent his blessings to the twenty-fifth Interreligious Gathering of Prayer for World Peace on Mount Hiei in Japan, which began on Friday. The Summit includes a symposium studying the response of religious leaders to natural disasters. The Holy Father said he hoped the discussion would lead to greater solidarity and mutual help, adding that according to the Christian perspective, the love given to those who suffer is a reflection of the divine charity of God who so loved the world that he sent his only Son Jesus Christ. Turning to last year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Pope said it was heartening to learn of the effective role of religious leaders in offering hope and support, as well as counsel and solace, to all those suffering.