VATICAN CITY – Young participants from the “Meaning Meets Us” gathering, organized by Scholas Occurrentes, met Pope Francis on Wednesday, February 5, at the end of the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall. The interfaith initiative brought together Muslim, Jewish, and Christian youth to foster dialogue and mutual understanding in the wake of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
During their meeting, the participants presented a signed letter to Pope Francis, emphasizing their commitment to open conversation. “We are not seeking consensus but the ability to understand one another,” the letter read, reflecting their mission to bridge divides through dialogue rather than debate.
Abigail Szor, a participant from Israel, shared the impact of the gathering, stating, “For as long as I can remember, we were told not to speak to each other. There is a strong tendency to dehumanize the other side. Learning to talk and listen to different narratives is crucial.”
The event, held from February 2-5 at the Vatican, was organized as a response to the need for peaceful discourse following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. Students from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem spearheaded the initiative, with Scholas Occurrentes coordinating the event.
Participants engaged in discussions, artistic expressions, and reflective activities aimed at breaking down prejudices. They also presented Pope Francis with a symbolic sweatshirt, which he signed as a gesture of encouragement.
Maysan Madi, a Palestinian Arab participant, described the experience as deeply moving. “I am not a Christian, yet I still felt the holiness and greatness of the place. Pope Francis’ words were incredibly powerful,” she said.
Scholas Occurrentes, originally founded in Buenos Aires under the leadership of then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, continues to play a key role in interfaith and intercultural dialogue worldwide. Its past initiatives include the creation of a four-kilometer-long mural during World Youth Day in 2023 and recent peace-building efforts in Indonesia.
For more details, visit Vatican News.
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