The international interfaith forum “Prayer for Peace,” held under the theme “A Peace Without Weapons and a Peace That Disarms,” concluded in Assisi, Italy, on October 27. The gathering, organized by the Catholic Community of Sant’Egidio, brought together representatives of Christian churches and other religions to discuss peacebuilding, conflict resolution and interreligious dialogue.

The forum, held from October 25 to 27, continued the tradition of international peace meetings launched in Assisi in 1986 at the initiative of Pope John Paul II. This year’s participants focused on the role of religious communities in overcoming divisions, fostering mutual understanding and promoting peaceful coexistence.

A central theme of the meeting was the concept of a “disarming peace” — an approach that goes beyond ending armed conflicts to encompass the rejection of hostility, a willingness to engage in dialogue and efforts to restore trust between individuals and nations.

The Russian Orthodox Church was represented by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations. He attended the forum with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’.

On the sidelines of the gathering, Metropolitan Anthony held discussions with representatives of various Christian traditions, including Archbishop John of Tirana and All Albania, Catholicos-Patriarch Mar Awa III of the Assyrian Church of the East, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

Other participants included Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, representatives of the Patriarchates of Antioch and Romania, members of the World Council of Churches and delegates from other religious organizations.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants in a video message. He was unable to travel to Assisi on medical advice while continuing his recovery following a medical procedure. His message was delivered as part of the closing ceremony held in the square outside the Basilica of Saint Francis.

In his address, the Pope called on religious communities and people around the world to work actively for peace rather than prepare for further conflict.

“We must rebuild peace everywhere, not prepare for new wars! War can never be waged in the name of God. […] There is no such thing as a holy war: only peace is holy!” Pope Leo XIV said in his message.

The forum concluded with a renewed appeal for dialogue and cooperation among religious traditions, emphasizing the responsibility of faith communities to help overcome divisions and build a more peaceful world.