Kingston, Jamaica (WCC) — Pope Benedict XVI saluted the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) on Sunday, praying that “every act of violence is eliminated.”
Before 30,000 people gathered at the Regina Caeli in St Peter’s Square, he commended the work of some 1,000 IEPC participants who are gathered in Jamaica to explore ways to move toward a just peace across the world.
“Let us join in prayer,” Benedict said, “for this noble intention, and recommit ourselves to eliminating violence in families, in society and in the international community.”
The IEPC participants have spent the past four days discussing the role of the church in ending violence between countries and within them. They have explored peace in the community, peace with the earth, and peace in the marketplace; on Monday, they will continue with peace among the peoples. On Tuesday, they will issue a convocation message that aims to unite churches worldwide in their vision of peacemaking.
The IEPC ends on Tuesday.
More information on cooperation between the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC