We live in a time marked by violence that goes beyond armed conflicts, seeping into everyday relationships. On social media, in political debates, even in conversations among friends, a growing anger emerges. Enemies are easily created, and those who think differently are labeled as adversaries to be fought. This toxic climate spares no one and deeply challenges our Christian faith. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, yet we often find ourselves caught in this spiral of aggression.
At the root of it all, as Bishop Derio Olivero has observed, is a distorted understanding of truth. When truth is reduced to personal opinion, everyone claims exclusive possession of it. Then, unable to defend their position with rational arguments, they resort to force. This pattern is evident in many areas: from politics to sports, to family relationships. Faith offers an alternative: truth is a mystery to be sought together, not a possession to be defended by force.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, NIV). Jesus invites us to seek truth with humility, knowing that it is greater than us and unites rather than divides.
Recovering the Gaze Toward Others
The Christian proposal to overcome this violence is simple yet demanding: to recover the seriousness of looking at the other. It means seeing every person as a brother or sister, even when we disagree with their ideas. This is not a superficial or naive attitude, but a radical commitment rooted in the Gospel. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean passively accepting injustice, but refusing to reduce the other to an enemy.
In daily life, we can start with small gestures: listening without interrupting, trying to understand another's point of view, avoiding hasty judgments. Especially on social media, where communication is often violent, we can choose words of respect and peace. The Church calls us to be artisans of dialogue, as Pope Francis often reminded us (he passed away on April 21, 2025). His successor, Pope Leo XIV, continues on this path, promoting encounter between different cultures and religions.
Violence Among Youth: An Educational Challenge
Recent episodes of violence involving young people, such as the antisemitic attacks in Rome and London, challenge the educational responsibility of the Christian community. Young people grow up in a context where aggression is normalized, where video games and social media teach conflict resolution through force. As a Church, we must offer alternative paths based on the Gospel of nonviolence and respect.
Parishes and youth groups can become places of peace education, where differences are managed through dialogue and creativity. The Bible offers powerful examples: Joseph forgiving his brothers, David sparing Saul, Jesus on the cross praying for his executioners. These stories are not just ancient tales but concrete models for addressing today's tensions.
Truth as a Shared Journey
To overcome violence, we must rediscover truth not as possession but as a journey. Christian truth is not a set of dogmas to impose but a Person: Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Encountering him means entering into a relationship that transforms how we see others. We do not possess the truth; we are on a journey toward it, together with brothers and sisters of all faiths and cultures.
This ecumenical and interfaith approach is essential. The Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Italian Bishops' Conference, chaired by Bishop Derio Olivero, reminds us that dialogue is not an option but a Gospel imperative. In a fractured world, Christians are called to be bridge-builders, not wall-builders. Peace is not a utopia but the fruit of daily commitment to truth and love.
Comments