Non-violence: A Method and a Style of "Peace-building"
May 2025 on this Blog has been all about "Popes" - not surprisingly. I'm finding it difficult to write lately, but perhaps that's just as well. It's hard to know what to say in these disturbing times. Pope Leo has encouraged us to listen, and he has already said much that is worthy of hearing. In a talk given the Italian group initiative "Arena for Peace," Leo gave a concise yet rich articulation of the importance of non-violence as a Christian and human witness which is rooted in hearts that renounce vengeance, and branches out into works of mercy, fraternity, solidarity, and peace. Here are some of his words:"Dear brothers and sisters, all too much violence exists in the world and our societies. Amid wars, terrorism, human trafficking and widespread aggression, our children and young people need to be able to experience the culture of life, dialogue, and mutual respect. Above all, they need the witness of men and women who embody a different and non-violent way of living. From local and everyday situations up to the international order, whenever those who have suffered injustice and violence resist the temptation to seek revenge, they become the most credible agents of non-violent peacebuilding processes. Non-violence, as a method and a style, must distinguish our decisions, our relationships and our actions.
"The Gospel and the Church’s social doctrine are a constant source of support for Christians in this effort. They can also act as a compass for everyone, since the fostering of a culture of peace is a task entrusted to all, believers and non-believers alike, who must advance it through reflection and a praxis inspired by the dignity of the person and the common good.
"If you want peace, prepare institutions of peace. Increasingly we realize that this cannot simply involve political institutions, whether national or international, but requires all institutions – educational, economic and social. The Encyclical Fratelli Tutti frequently spoke of the need to pass from 'I' to 'we', in a spirit of solidarity that needs to find institutional expression. For this reason, I encourage you to remain committed and present: present within history as a leaven of unity, communion and fraternity. Fraternity needs to be recovered, loved, experienced, proclaimed and witnessed, in the confident hope that it is indeed possible, thanks to the love of God 'poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit' (Romans 5:5)."
