ASSISI, Italy (CNS): On a pilgrimage to the birthplace of St Francis of Assisi, Pope Benedict XVI appealed for peace in the Middle East and a return to “responsible and sincere dialogue” to end armed conflicts.
The Pope’s one-day trip on June 17 marked the 800th anniversary of the conversion of St Francis, a figure the Pope described as a one-time “king of partying” who learned to make space for God.
The papal visit to the central Italian hill town of Assisi came during heightened tension and violence in the Middle East, especially in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, which was taken over by Hamas militia forces in mid-June.
At a noon blessing delivered from a square next to the Basilica of St Francis, the Pope said he considered it his duty to appeal for an end to violent conflicts.
“We feel spiritually close to all those who weep, suffer and die as a result of war and its tragic consequences, in whatever part of the world,” he said.
“Our thoughts go especially toward the Holy Land, so beloved by St Francis, and to Iraq, Lebanon and the entire Middle East.
“The populations of these countries have known for too long a time the horrors of combat, of terrorism, of blind violence,” he said.
The Pope presided over several events in Assisi, including meetings with the Franciscans who run what has become a worldwide pilgrimage centre.
In an evening encounter with thousands of youths, the Pope said he wanted to highlight the figure of St Francis as a model for today’s young people who are searching for deeper meaning in life.
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