2016 World Day of Prayer for Peace at Assisi - "Peace Alone is Holy, Not War!"

Rocco over at Whispers in the Loggia has his usual pen picture report of Roman events:

"Peace Alone Is Holy, Not War!" – In Francis' City, Pope Gathers World Against "Paganism of Indifference"  

Thirty years since the now-canonized John Paul II infuriated his right flank (in perpetuity) by convening representatives of the world's faiths for a common prayer for peace in the city of St Francis, the first Pope to take the name of the Poverello of Assisi repeated the act today, sharing the stage with a host of ecumenical partners – led by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby – alongside delegates from each of the other major religious traditions in what was termed a "Thirst For Peace."

 

Capping a three-day congress organized by the Sant'Egidio community (the Rome-based Catholic movement which often takes the lead on social-justice concerns) while the different faiths separated for an afternoon hour to pray according to their own rites around the hilltop Basilica of St Francis, Papa Bergoglio's daylong swing featured a shared lunch for the attendees and twin reflections by the Pope – the first at the dedicated worship for Christians within the church, then a closing address for the entire assembly in the hillside square adjoining the saint's burial-site, with its breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside.

Continue reading here. 
 
Vatican Radio:

• Interfaith leaders committed to peace at Assisi summit
• Assisi: Pope Francis' appeal for peace
• Pope Francis concludes World Day of Prayer for Peace

Crux:

• Pope’s visit to Assisi a reminder that prayer is key to peace
• Pope calls indifference to suffering ‘great sickness’ of our time

CNA:

• In Assisi, Pope Francis slams 'paganism of indifference'
• Peace requires us to do more than 'change the channel,' Pope Francis says