Pope to Katholikentag: 'Work for peace through prayer and dialogue'

By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis has sent a message to participants at the 103nd edition of the Katholikentag (Catholic Day), the national meeting of German Catholics which opened on Wednesday evening in the city of Erfurt.

“The man of peace has a future”

The five-day celebration, held every other year in alternate cities, marks a unique tradition in Germany dating back to 1848. It is among the largest and most important social events in the country gathering lay Catholics, but also political and religious leaders from Germany and abroad, to celebrate faith, and discuss topics that have an impact on German society. The motto chosen for this year’s edition is: “The man of peace has a future”.

In his message, Pope Francis explained that these words from Psalm 37 tell us that peace is promised to those who are just, please the Lord, and trust in Him. However, humanity's historical mistrust in God has led to disharmony and suffering.

Pope Francis noted that many people today, especially young people, feel a need for a change in direction, sensing something wrong in the world. This, he said. was precisely Jesus' mission: to reorient man towards God, and along with this, renew and heal “his relationship with his brothers, with creation and, last but not least, with Himself.”  

Without justice there can be no peace

Jesus, the Pope explained, brought peace by giving hope and calling out injustice, often overturning human values, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount. His peace, born from love and devotion, is exemplified by the Cross and His resurrection, symbolizing that "the man of peace has a future."

Christians are, therefore, called to continue Jesus' mission, by helping the marginalized and engaging in public life to improve their living conditions, and give a voice  to those who are not listened to, because, the Pope reiterated, “without justice there can be no peace”.

Interconneted crises need collective solutions and dialogue

Pope Francis decried the growing anti-Semitism, racism and other extremist and violent ideologies that increasingly threaten fundamental human rights in Europe and beyond. He once again underscored how the moral, social, economic, political the world is facing today are closely interconnected, and therefore require collective solutions through broad dialogue across all levels of society. He noted that the Katholikentag provides a platform for such discussions.

Fostering ecumenical and interreligious dialogue

The message particularly commended the venue for fostering ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, which are essential for building a peaceful future.

Noting that the motto of event offers an encouragement to follow this path, Pope Francis concludes by inviting participants to pray for peace and one another, and expresses his wish that the gathering may be a time of “great spiritual enrichment.”