Sant'Egidio held its annual “Meeting for Peace” in Paris. “Peace is only possible in coexistence,” French President Emmanuel Macron told delegates.
September 24th, 2024 at 08:55 am (Europe\Rome). Updated September 24th, 2024 at 10:51 am (Europe\Rome)
France's President Emmanuel Macron (C-R) and founder of the catholic charity Sant'Egidio community Andrea Riccardi (C-L) pose for a photo at the International Meeting for Peace in Paris, France, 22 September 2024. (Photo by EPA/MAXPPP)
Thousands gathered in Paris for two days of reflection for Sant'Egidio's annual “Meeting for Peace” centered on the theme “Imagining Peace.” The idea to host the 2024 edition in Paris originated two years ago, when French President Emmanuel Macron was invited as a speaker at the meeting.
The event opened with several speeches. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio, sounded the alarm: “For decades, the culture of peace was a powerful reference. But now, it has evaporated.” Sant’Egidio now tracks 59 conflicts globally. In Europe, the memory of the tragedies of the 20th century is fading, and many political leaders are confined to a narrow realism.
After listening to the Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, Catholic Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris, and France’s Chief Rabbi, Haïm Korsia, Emmanuel Macron spoke for 25 minutes. He mentioned current tragedies but did not offer any concrete proposals.
Thousands gathered in Paris for two days of reflection for Sant'Egidio's annual “Meeting for Peace” centered on the theme “Imagining Peace.” The idea to host the 2024 edition in Paris originated two years ago, when French President Emmanuel Macron was invited as a speaker at the meeting.
The event opened with several speeches. Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio, sounded the alarm: “For decades, the culture of peace was a powerful reference. But now, it has evaporated.” Sant’Egidio now tracks 59 conflicts globally. In Europe, the memory of the tragedies of the 20th century is fading, and many political leaders are confined to a narrow realism.
After listening to the Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, Catholic Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris, and France’s Chief Rabbi, Haïm Korsia, Emmanuel Macron spoke for 25 minutes. He mentioned current tragedies but did not offer any concrete proposals.
Drawing on the thought of philosopher Paul Ricœur, the French president sought to give a deeper perspective to the crises he faces daily. For him, “peace today is the real battle.” Overcoming antagonisms requires turning away from the desire to destroy the other and, instead, embracing the patience to understand them, to put oneself in their place. “Peace is only possible in coexistence,” he stressed. This effort must be paired with a dynamic and creative approach to reimagine relationships.
An informal dinner
The event concluded on September 22 in the lounge of a Parisian restaurant. It was an informal occasion, allowing the French president to gather insights on pressing international issues from religious leaders who had traveled from four continents.
The private dinner, which La Croix was able to attend, provided an informal setting for the 20 guests, mostly religious figures, gathered by Sant’Egidio. Seated at the center of the table, across from Riccardi, Macron sought perspectives on the conflict in Ukraine, the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the social situation in Latin America, the new political landscape in India, and the pope's recent visit to Southeast Asia.
The presence of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa (DR Congo), gave this consultation a broad scope. Between objective analysis and personal insights, Macron, accompanied by just two advisers, took notes and recorded key messages. He departed 36 hours later for a round of intense diplomatic engagements at the United Nations General Assembly.
An informal dinner
The event concluded on September 22 in the lounge of a Parisian restaurant. It was an informal occasion, allowing the French president to gather insights on pressing international issues from religious leaders who had traveled from four continents.
The private dinner, which La Croix was able to attend, provided an informal setting for the 20 guests, mostly religious figures, gathered by Sant’Egidio. Seated at the center of the table, across from Riccardi, Macron sought perspectives on the conflict in Ukraine, the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the social situation in Latin America, the new political landscape in India, and the pope's recent visit to Southeast Asia.
The presence of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa (DR Congo), gave this consultation a broad scope. Between objective analysis and personal insights, Macron, accompanied by just two advisers, took notes and recorded key messages. He departed 36 hours later for a round of intense diplomatic engagements at the United Nations General Assembly.
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