The Holy Father Leo XIV received a delegation from "L'Oeuvre d'Orient" and the "Institut Chrétiens d'Orient" in the Vatican Apostolic Palace. The Holy Father's address emphasized the importance of hope, particularly in the month of November, which invites reflection on the faithful departed and the many victims of armed conflicts worldwide.
He encouraged the delegation to work towards a just and lasting peace, especially in the Middle East, with a humble and peace-loving heart. The symposium aims to bring together various academic disciplines to better understand contemporary conflicts and seek conditions for peace.
The Holy Father praised this effort, noting that dialogue between philosophy and other disciplines can help rediscover the meaning of words and concepts, a key challenge of the time. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue between faith and reason, culture and history, in achieving justice and reconciliation.
The delegation's work is seen as a step towards promoting peace and becoming servants of a peaceful and persevering cause. The symposium's focus on the Middle East and Eastern Europe reflects the region's need for a just and lasting peace.