I extend my warmest greeting to the distinguished representatives of the Christian Churches and of the major world religions gathered in Naples, to all the eminent participants, and to the friends of the Community of Sant�Egidio. It is with special affection that I dedicate my words to the people of Naples: I feel very close to you, I am very close to you, in the good and in the difficult days. In this wonderful square, which I am fond of, we experience a moment of light and brightness, which originated from the Pastoral Visit of Pope Benedict XVI.

Last year in Assisi I participated to this traditional international meeting for Peace. Since then, Card. Sepe set for me an appointment in Naples, for a new day of interfaith dialogue. I could not miss, and I am here, first and foremost to receive a message that has to commit us all, regardless of the faith, social conditions, function and responsibility.

Meeting, dialogue, without obscuring one�s own convictions, but striving for mutual understanding and rapprochement: this is indeed the sole path that enables to coexist in peace, to prevent and solve conflicts. It is also opposite to the path of self-limitation to one�s own certainties and partial truths, to the path of intolerance and violence.

Dialogue among religions, dialogue among culture: it is our theme for this meeting, we now wrap up. The Spirit of Assisi � as the Pope strongly stated � counters the abuse of religion as a pretext for violence. He so ideally connected his greeting to the initiative of the Community of Sant�Egidio with the speech he delivered in this square addressing the people of Naples, showing a strong understanding of the complex and difficult reality the city experiences, and in the conviction that it is indeed the sad phenomenon of violence, in all its manifestations, that becomes widespread behaviour and mentality, the greatest evil to uproot.

I caught in his word a common feeling, which enables me too to find here the seed of hope for the city, together with the seed of hope, the strength of dialogue aiming at peace in the world, beginning from peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and a cause that we cherish and that yesterday was invoked here in Naples.

I therefore wholeheartedly thank the Community of Sant�Egidio, the Archdiocese of Naples, and all the institutions that supported their effort.

Thank you, people of Naples, for your participation and a strong wish for you to overcome the challenges ahead.