Pope Francis Calls for Fraternity and Peace at Human Fraternity Conference

Pope Francis Delivers Powerful Message on Peace and Fraternity at Vatican Conference

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a stirring address at a conference on human fraternity, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace and unity in a world marked by fear and uncertainty. The pontiff spoke to over 350 participants, including Nobel laureates, government officials, and celebrities, gathered at the Vatican for the World Meeting on Human Fraternity.

The pope stressed that true security cannot be achieved through war and fear, calling them “great deceptions.” He urged attendees to prioritize fraternity and compassion in their interactions, highlighting the need for a common humanity to guide international relations.

Among the distinguished guests at the conference were New York Mayor Eric Adams, Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus, and former first lady Graça Machel Mandela. The event also featured a concert by country singer Garth Brooks and a roundtable discussion on children and future generations.

During the children’s session, Pope Francis engaged with young participants, discussing the meaning of happiness and the importance of peace. The children shared their insights on unity and love, emphasizing the need to treat others with kindness and respect.

The pope led the group in a prayer for grandparents and blessed a relic of Blessed Pino Puglisi, a priest who stood up against the Mafia and advocated for underprivileged children. The relic symbolized the enduring legacy of those who fight for justice and peace in the face of adversity.

Overall, the conference aimed to renew the Declaration on Human Fraternity and draft a new “Charter of Humanity” to guide global cooperation and solidarity. Pope Francis’ message resonated with attendees, inspiring them to work towards a future built on mutual understanding and compassion.