Mexico City: Cardinal Pietro Parolin has called for greater empathy toward people affected by violence and loss, saying that genuine peace begins when people are willing to understand and share in the suffering of others.
During his visit to Mexico, Cardinal Parolin met on Wednesday, August 5, with representatives of the National Dialogue for Peace, an initiative that brings together people from different parts of society to work toward peaceful communities. The meeting gave participants an opportunity to speak directly about their experiences and the challenges they face in their efforts to build peace.
According to the Mexican Bishops' Conference, the gathering included academics, public officials, religious leaders, police officers, business representatives and mothers searching for missing family members. Representatives from San Luis PotosĂ, Oaxaca, QuerĂ©taro, Puebla, the State of Mexico and Mexico City also took part.
One of the most moving testimonies came from a mother who is searching for her son, who disappeared in the state of Puebla. Her experience highlighted the deep pain faced by families whose loved ones have gone missing.
Cardinal Parolin referred to her testimony while stressing the importance of empathy in the search for peace. He said that understanding the suffering of others is an important starting point for creating a more peaceful society.
The Cardinal also described peacebuilding as a work of craftsmanship. Like something carefully created over time, peace requires patience, commitment and daily effort. He encouraged those involved in the National Dialogue for Peace not to become discouraged, even when progress is slow or the challenges appear overwhelming.
He also suggested that the experience of the Mexican people could offer inspiration to other parts of the world struggling with violence and insecurity.
During the meeting, participants shared several examples of how cooperation between different groups has helped strengthen peace efforts in their communities.
One example came from Puebla, where organizations representing families searching for missing people have worked together with public officials. Such cooperation has helped create greater understanding between affected families and authorities. The National Dialogue for Peace has also become a place where people can develop skills and experience in civic and political leadership.
A police officer from Ecatepec spoke about cooperation between different Christian churches and efforts to introduce a community based policing model. The example showed how religious communities and law enforcement can work together to address problems and promote safer neighbourhoods.
Representatives from Querétaro used the traditional Mexican balero, a cup and ball toy, as an image to explain the role of the National Dialogue. They described the initiative as a thread that can connect people from different backgrounds and help them work toward a shared goal.
Representatives from Oaxaca spoke about the support the National Dialogue has provided to priests serving in areas where violence and insecurity are serious concerns. Their testimony highlighted the difficulties faced by religious leaders who remain close to communities experiencing fear and hardship.
A representative from San Luis PotosĂ pointed to another challenge, saying that more parishes need to become involved in peacebuilding efforts. Greater participation at the local level, they suggested, could help make the work of peace a wider community effort.
Throughout the meeting, Cardinal Parolin listened carefully to the experiences of those taking part. He expressed solidarity with their daily efforts and recognised the patience required to continue working for peace in difficult circumstances.
The Cardinal said the National Dialogue for Peace has become a source of hope for many communities affected by violence. He also affirmed the support of the Holy See for the initiative and its efforts to bring different sections of society together.
Participants welcomed Cardinal Parolin's attention to their work and expressed gratitude for his willingness to remain close to those involved in peacebuilding.
The meeting underlined a central message of the National Dialogue for Peace: building peace is not the responsibility of one group alone. It requires cooperation between families, churches, public authorities, police, businesses, academics and local communities.
For Cardinal Parolin, that work must begin with people seeing and responding to the suffering of others. In a country where many communities continue to face violence and uncertainty, the message was a reminder that peace is built gradually through empathy, cooperation and perseverance.