This weekend, around 1,000 young individuals, including high school and university students, hailing from 13 European nations, are coming together in Padua and Venice, two cities in northern Italy. They are convening for an international gathering organized by the "Youth for Peace" movement, which is part of the Sant'Egidio Community. This community, a global Catholic lay association based in Italy, is dedicated to advancing dialogue, peace, and solidarity worldwide.
Under the theme "Global Friendship for a Future of Peace," this assembly aims to reiterate their dedication to fostering a more peaceful world. This commitment takes on added significance given the ongoing devastating conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, as well as various other conflicts across the world.
Importantly, approximately 70 young individuals from Ukraine, including both girls and boys from Kyiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk, are actively participating in this event. They will be sharing their hopes for peace with their peers from different European countries. Together, they will engage in discussions covering a range of topics such as environmental issues, migration, and poverty. The primary goal is to cultivate a culture of solidarity and integration among these young minds.
As part of the event's agenda, there will be a prayer vigil for peace on Friday evening, led by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. He serves as the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) and holds the special role of Pope Francis' envoy for peace in Ukraine. Notably, the Archbishop of Bologna undertook diplomatic visits to Kyiv and Moscow in June, followed by a trip to Washington in July. These efforts were aimed at establishing pathways toward a just peace in Ukraine. He is expected to extend his mission with a visit to Beijing, China, in an ongoing attempt to explore potential peaceful resolutions to the conflict, given the apparent reluctance of both sides to engage in compromise.
On Saturday morning, participants will engage in a meeting with Marco Impagliazzo, who serves as the president of the Community of Sant'Egidio. The session, titled "Everything can change," will be a focal point of the gathering.
The event will draw to a close on Sunday afternoon in Venice, where participants will organize a flash mob for peace in the iconic St. Mark's Square.