Rabbi Henri Sofel reflects on an unforgettable day at Assisi with Pope John Paul II, praying with many religious leaders for Peace in the World.

have had the privilege of being invited by the Vatican to represent the Latin American Jewish Congress in the “Day of Prayer for World Peace,” called by the Pope in response to the despicable terrorist attacks on the US and to the increase of violence worldwide.

On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 24, we took the train to Assisi especially reserved for the participants… The Pope entered the train last…
It was moving to see religious leaders of so many different creeds, even representatives of religions which have been in conflict for decades, traveling together on a pilgrimage for peace. During the slow trip, the Pope touched everyone. Though physically weak, he made it a point to go from wagon to wagon, leaning on his walking stick, greeting, one by one, his 200 or so guests. 

When he got to me, I gave the Pope a note written by President Fernando H. Cardoso of Brazil. Just one sentence: “The 21st century will be the consecration of hope if in it we will be able to end violence and build peace.” The Pope nodded with his head and said in Portuguese: “Obrigado ao Presidente e Obrigado ao povo brasileiro.”  “Thank you to the President and thank you to the Brazilian people.”
Once we reached Assisi, we were led to our places within the Basilica of St. Francis. We heard the “witness of peace” given by several Religious Leaders. In his talk, Pope John Paul II affirmed unconditionally: “There is no religious objective that could justify the use of violence.”

"Let us weave the tapestry of Peace with the golden thread of Justice, Freedom and Forgiveness."

"There is no religious objective that could justify the use of violence"

Then, we went to a common refectory for lunch where we were served a simple menu, pasta and fruit, chosen especially for those of us who have ritual food restrictions. Ant it was so beautiful to share the meal together, Jews and Moslems, Buddhists and Hindus, Shintoist and Confucians, Catholics and Protestants, — and the Pope, or course —, all sitting around one single enormous round table. An unforgettable scene!

Afterwards, we returned to the Basilica where each received a lighted lamp. We were then called by name, one by one, and each placed his lamp on top of a round marble table in front of the Pope, symbolizing by this that each one was doing his part in the struggle against the darkness of violence, terrorism and war. At the end of the ceremony, we all recited together a “Peace Pledge.” In part it said: “… We, as persons of different religious traditions, will tirelessly proclaim that Peace and Justice are inseparable, and that Peace in Justice is the only path which humanity can take toward a Future of Hope…”

What will come out of that Ecumenical meeting? The answer depends on the strength of our convictions and of the influence we can bear upon our respective communities.

But one thing is certain: this Pilgrimage to Assisi proved that not all is lost. Terrorists can bring down buildings and snuff out thousands of human lives, but they do not have the power to destroy our hope for and our commitment to Peace.

Pope John Paul II closed the Day of Prayer with: “In God’s name let us go; let us weave the tapestry of peace with the golden thread of justice, freedom and forgiveness.

— RABBI HENRY SOFEL —