From antiquity to the present, religious actors have played a crucial role in preventing and resolving violent conflict. This contribution has become increasingly recognized within Catholic teaching and practice, including the diplomatic work of the Holy See.
The 1965 Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes emphasized the peacebuilding mission of faith communities in the modern world – a commitment that has since become a key topic of interreligious dialogue.
Marking the 60th anniversary of Gaudium et Spes, the conference highlighted the urgency of religious peacemaking in today’s world. Scholars and practitioners from across the globe – including Afghanistan, Australia, Colombia, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the United States – gathered at the Vatican headquarters of the Academy to reflect on these themes.
PRIO Research Professor Greg Reichberg and Professor Laurie Nathan of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies led the initiative.
“Religious traditions contain deep moral resources for healing division and restoring trust,” said PRIO’s Greg Reichberg. “At a time when violent conflict is surging in many regions, it is vital to draw on these resources to foster dialogue and peace.”
For more information about the event, see the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences’ website.
