Pope Francis: to new ambassadors, nonviolence is “the way to peace”

“Nonviolence is a typical example of universal value that finds its fulfilment in the Gospel of Christ and yet also belongs to other noble and ancient spiritual traditions. In a world like the present one sadly marked by numerous wars and conflicts, as well as by widespread violence that takes on various forms in ordinary life, the choice of nonviolence as a lifestyle is increasingly demanded in the exercise of responsibility at all levels, from family education, to social and civil commitment, to political activity and international relations. In every situation, this means rejecting violence as a means to resolve conflicts and tackling them instead always through dialogue and negotiation”. Pope Francis said this this morning as he received in audience the ambassadors of Sweden, Fiji, Moldova, Mauritius, Tunisia and Burundi for the presentation of their Letters of Credentials. “Those with institutional roles at the national or international level are called to take on a peaceful lifestyle in their conscience and in the exercise of their functions – Pope Francis said –; this is by no means a sign of weakness or passivity, but rather a sign of strength, courage and of the ability to face issues and conflicts with intellectual honesty, genuinely seeking the common good before and above any other vested interest, be it ideological, economic or political”.

“In the last century ravaged by wars and genocides of unprecedented proportions – the Pope added -, we can nevertheless also remember shining examples of how nonviolence, embraced with conviction and practised consistently, can achieve significant results, also on the social and political plane. Thanks to the commitment of nonviolent leaders, some peoples, and even entire nations, have peacefully reached new horizons of freedom and justice. This is the way to peace, not a peace proclaimed by words but in fact denied by pursuing strategies of domination, backed by outrageous outlays for weapons, while so many people lack the very necessities of life”.