28/08/2006

Sant'Egidio Founder Received by Benedict XVI
On Eve of World Religion Meeting in Assisi

Benedict XVI received in audience the founder of the Sant'Egidio Community on the eve of the annual Meeting of World Religions, organized by the Rome-based lay group.

Andrea Riccardi was accompanied by Bishop Vincenzo Paglia of Terni-Narni-Amelia, spiritual adviser of the community, during today's audience in the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, reported the Vatican press office.

Pope John Paul II began the tradition of granting the community an audience before the annual meeting which maintains the spirit of the World Day of Prayer for Peace, convoked by the same Pope in October 1986 in Assisi.

The meeting has been held in various Italian cities and European capitals. This year, the 20th anniversary of the first encounter, the meeting will again be held in Assisi on Sept. 4-5.

This year's theme is "Religions and Cultures in Dialogue for a World of Peace."

"At a time marked by terrorism and war, as well as by efforts toward dialogue and reconciliation, religion has assumed a prominent role in public life and in the conflict of identities," the community said in a press statement. "Religions are ever more exposed to the danger of becoming instruments of extremism."

On the 20th anniversary of the first meeting, stated the community, "a universal message will arise from the many religious leaders come together from many different parts of the world, gathering together the fruits of these two days of collaborative searching and praying side by side."