Pope Leo XIV urges Rome conference to build 'houses of peace'

The first Conference of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence is being held at the Seraphicum in Rome from September 9 to 11, with theologians, pastoral leaders and educators from various parts of the world. The meeting, sponsored by Pax Christi International, is looking at how Gospel nonviolence can be more deeply integrated into the life and teaching of the Catholic Church.

In a telegram sent to those attending through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV called for the creation of "houses of peace" where dialogue is encouraged and hostility dispelled. In the message the pope stressed the importance of "continuing the mission of promoting a culture of peace, justice and reconciliation in the world." He encouraged participants to become "builders of houses of peace" where justice is practiced and forgiveness preserved, and entrusted the days of reflection to the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.

A new paradigm for legitimate defense

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar told the conference that a "new paradigm" is needed in understanding peace and responding to violence in a world marked by armed conflict and increasingly sophisticated military technology.

Bo rejected the description of nonviolence as passivity. "Nonviolent strategies do not mean a lack of defense; they are a more effective form of defense," he said, arguing that nonviolence is an active and effective response to current conflicts. True legitimate defense, he said, must be "disarmed in its methods and disarmed in its effects," in line with the appeal Leo XIV made on the day of his election for a "disarmed and disarming peace."

Investment in diplomacy and restorative justice

Bo, the archbishop of Yangon, called for resources to be redirected toward diplomacy, restorative justice and peace networks rather than the buildup of weapons. He said the Church should offer a framework of defense that protects human dignity without resorting to violence, as an alternative to conventional military responses.

Bo said nonviolence should be central to Catholic life and teaching, not a marginal or idealistic position but the core of the Church's identity. He cited the experience of his own people in Myanmar, who despite extreme hardship continue to proclaim that "peace is possible, peace is the only way."

Disarmed courage and interior peace

Bo said this approach requires more courage than the use of weapons, and he asked his listeners to rethink what it means to be brave in a setting of systemic violence. He closed with a reflection on the link between peace in society and peace within: "A disarmed peace in society is impossible without an interior peace that disarms."

A pilgrimage to Assisi

The conference is part of a 10-day international initiative and will end with a spiritual pilgrimage to Assisi on September 11, following in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare. Francis is known as a figure of Gospel peace and interreligious dialogue, particularly for his meeting with the sultan during the Fifth Crusade.