Pope Francis Celebrates Inauguration of Catholic Institute for Nonviolence in Rome
Pope Francis celebrated the creation of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence and expressed hope for a renewed commitment to the values of peace and fraternity during the inauguration event in Rome, Italy. Members of Pax Christi International’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative officially presented the organization at the Institutto Maria Santissima Bambina.
In a telegram by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Francis, attendees were urged to work together to defend human rights and build a society based on justice and reciprocal love, emphasizing nonviolence as a cornerstone of peacemaking.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar, along with Cardinal Robert McElroy, led the inauguration, stating the Institute would help the Church reclaim Jesus’ nonviolence and learn practical strategies for addressing violence.
The Voices of Nonviolence at the Inauguration
The event, live-streamed on YouTube, featured Cardinal Bo, Cardinal McElroy, Sister Teresia Wachira, and Dr. Maria Stephan who shared insights on the effectiveness of nonviolent protest.
Sister Wachira highlighted the Institute’s role in promoting nonviolent approaches to peacebuilding, while Dr. Maria Stephan discussed research on successful nonviolent movements.
Martha Inés Romero and Marie Dennis emphasized the pivotal role of the Institute in addressing global violence and fostering a culture of nonviolence within the Church.
Artisans of Peace
The Catholic Institute for Nonviolence aims to provide research, resources, and hands-on experience in nonviolence to Church leaders and communities worldwide. An advisory council and sponsors support the program, focusing on documenting real-world case studies of nonviolent practices.
The Pax Christi International Peace Award
The Pax Christi International Peace Award ceremony will honor the Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF), an organization advocating peace and reconciliation in Israel and Palestine.
From the Synod of Bishops to Four Nonviolence Seminars
The Catholic Institute for Nonviolence will host a series of seminars discussing nonviolence, faith, conflict resolution, and the Church’s role in nurturing a global nonviolent shift as part of the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
For more information on the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence, visit www.paxchristi.net/catholic-institute-for-nonviolence.
About Pax Christi International: www.paxchristi.net
About Catholic Nonviolence Initiative: www.paxchristi.net/cni-about-us
