From John Paul II to Pope Leo XIV: 40 Years of the ‘Spirit of Assisi’
Pope Leo XIV says the 1986 gathering set a model for interreligious dialogue and for rejecting violence done in God’s name.
- On October 27, 1986, Pope John Paul chose Assisi for an unprecedented initiative uniting world religions in prayer for peace. Forty years later, that event remains one of the most significant gestures of his pontificate.
- Beyond mere memories, that day gave rise to the "Spirit of Assisi," a commitment by various religions to meet and build peace together. Young Jewish people offered olive branches to Muslims, a gesture that moved Cardinal Roger Etchegaray to tears.
- Cardinal Roger Etchegaray summarized the guiding principle: "To be together to pray, but not to pray together." Assisi, with any ambiguous interpretation ruled out, demonstrates that respecting a person's religious quest honors God.
- Pope John Paul stated the Council's identity was strengthened at Assisi on December 22, 1986. Successors Benedict XVI and Pope Francis later extended the legacy by emphasizing continuity and inviting those seeking truth.
- Religions can counter violence by returning to their original sources, the Polish Pontiff declared. Whoever uses religion to foment violence contradicts its inspiration; religious communities must repudiate violence that seeks legitimacy in God's name.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Vatican News
From John Paul II to Pope Leo XIV: 40 years of the ‘Spirit of Assisi’
On the 40th anniversary of the historic Day of Prayer for Peace, convened by Pope John Paul II on October 27, 1986, the legacy of the “Spirit of Assisi” spans four pontificates. From John Paul II himself, who explored its theological significance, to Benedict XVI, who extended the dialogue to include non-believers; from Francis, who calls for fraternity, to Pope Leo XIV, who invites religions to rediscover within their own roots an antidote to h…
The 'Spirit of Assisi' at 40
"If we are to be faithful to the Spirit of Assisi in this generation, it is going to require that we, too, find our own way of living out the truth of the Catholic faith in a way that deepens our understanding as we walk with people of other faiths," Chris Crawford writes.
Addressing the participants in the Assisi meeting, Leo XIV appealed to reject religious justifications for war. The event, "Unarmed and Disarming Peace," organized on October 27, marks the 40th anniversary of the Day of Prayer for Peace convened by St. John Paul II.
40 years after the historic appointment convened by John Paul II, more than 380 religious leaders launch a choral appeal. In message: dialogue, disarmament and peace to save humanity The article Meeting of Assisi: "Or we will be able to put an end to wars or wars will put an end to humanity" comes from RomaSette.
On October 27, 1986, the world contemplated an unprecedented image: St. John Paul II gathered in Assisi, the city of St. Francis, the highest representatives of the great religions to pray for peace. Forty years later, that...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
