"Today, religion is generally recognized as a crucial factor of peace. It is often called upon to contribute to the defeat of violence in crisis situations". These are the words of the President of the Community of Sant’Egidio during the press conference of the interreligious meeting “Peace is the Future, religions and cultures in Dialogue - 100 years after World War I”, that will take place in Antwerpen from 7 to 9 September.

350 religious leaders and personalities from cultural and political circles from more than 60 different countries will join the 28th edition of this  interreligious meeting.

"The proposal put forward to Pope Francis by ex-president Simon Peres of Israel is therefore a sign of great cultural progress: violence originates from extremism. Religions are asked to be a mediating factor in curbing violence. They are essential in developing a moral and cultural platform that promotes peaceful coexistence between people of different religions and cultures".