ROME - "The dramatic news of a bloody attack, a real massacre, against the Anglican minority in Peshawar, Pakistan, affects the Community of Sant'Egidio, present in many centres of the country, when it is finalising the preparation of the 27th International Meeting for Peace to be held at the end of this month in Rome, which wants to be the clearest and most eloquent response to the wretched purposes of exploiting religious differences to fuel conflict of another kind. We will deepen the reflection on terrorism of religious origin with special dedication.

"While we condemn these episodes in the strongest terms, and urge the Pakistani government authorities to engage more effectively in the protection of religious minorities, we participate, with prayer and solidarity, in the mourning that struck the families of many of our brothers, thus being certain that the martyrdom of Christians, an unfortunately current reality in our time, will not be a sterile sacrifice, but it can trigger a virtuous process of conversion of the hearts.

"The reasons for the comparison, coexistence and cooperation among religions, with a precise assumption of responsibilities to feed the common commitment to a future of peace for all humanity, will clearly emerge from the dialogue between more than 400 representatives of different cultures and faiths who will participate in the meetings of Rome and will endorse, in conclusion, the Appeal for Peace 2013 exchanging a fraternal embrace in Campidoglio Square".