In an era marked by conflicts and tensions, the voice of the Church resonates with particular urgency in calling believers to commitment for peace. Bishop Santoro, through his recent statement, invites us to reflect deeply on how war represents a wound to humanity and to God's will. As an ecumenical Christian community, we are called to rediscover the biblical roots of peace, which is not simply the absence of conflict, but the active presence of justice and reconciliation.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us: "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4, NIV). This prophetic vision is not utopia, but divine promise that guides our path. Peace, from the Christian perspective, is God's gift and humanity's task, a vocation that challenges every baptized person.
In this context, the teaching of recent popes offers valuable guidance. Pope Francis, who left us on April 21, 2025, consistently denounced the "piecemeal third world war" afflicting our time. His legacy of commitment to the poor and to peace continues to inspire God's people worldwide.
The Legacy of Pope Francis and Continuity with Pope León XIV
The transition to the pontificate of Pope León XIV, elected in May 2025, represents continuity in commitment to peace and justice. The new pontiff, Robert Francis Prevost, continues with renewed vigor the concern for victims of conflicts and for building bridges between peoples. The Church, in this historical phase, confirms itself as an "expert in humanity" and prophetic voice against every form of violence.
The Gospel of Matthew offers us the Beatitudes as a compass for Christian action: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9, NIV). This beatitude is not limited to those who avoid conflict, but blesses those who actively commit to building just and reconciled relationships. Peace is artisan work requiring patience, courage, and creativity.
The ecumenical platform EncuentraIglesias.com, in its service to Christian communities, seeks to foster this constructive dialogue. Without denominational preferences, we welcome contributions from all Christian traditions in witnessing to the Gospel of peace. In a fragmented world, the unity of believers becomes a credible sign of possible reconciliation.
The Biblical Roots of Peace
The Old Testament presents the LORD as "the Lord is Peace" (Judges 6:24, NIV), while the New Testament reveals in Christ as "our peace" (Ephesians 2:14, NIV). Saint Paul exhorts the Romans: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18, NIV). This apostolic exhortation maintains all its relevance today.
Biblical peace (shalom) indicates fullness of life, just relationships, integral wellbeing. It is not reduced to external quiet, but involves the person in their totality. Therefore war, which destroys this fullness, is considered as an event profoundly contrary to God's design for humanity.
From Denunciation to Proposal: The Path of Reconciliation
Denouncing war is necessary, but not sufficient. The Christian community is called to propose concrete paths of reconciliation. This implies educating for peace from childhood, promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue, supporting social justice initiatives. Peace is built day by day, through small and large gestures of fraternity.
Psalm 34 guides us: "Seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14, NIV). The verb "pursue" indicates determined action, constant commitment. Peace does not fall from heaven, but is cultivated with perseverance. Christian communities can become spaces where forgiveness is practiced and new relationships are woven. Each of us, in our daily life, is called to be an artisan of peace, beginning with family, work, and neighborhood.
On this journey, prayer becomes an indispensable source. Praying for peace is not evading responsibilities, but opening ourselves to the transformative action of the Holy Spirit. As the saints teach us, true peace is born from a heart reconciled with God and with our brothers and sisters.
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