Shrine of Fatima signs manifesto for peace and dialogue in the Mediterranean

Shrine of Fatima signs manifesto for peace and dialogue in the Mediterranean

The initiative brings together Marian shrines of the Mediterranean region in a network committed to promoting peace, welcome, and hope.

The Shrine of Fatima is one of the signatories of the manifesto “Mary, Path of Dialogue and Peace for the Mediterranean,” signed on Thursday, October 29, in Assisi, Italy, by rectors of several Marian shrines of the Mediterranean region, among them Father Carlos Cabecinhas.

The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for establishing a network of Marian shrines and sites in the Mediterranean, united by a commitment to promoting peace, dialogue, welcome, and hope in a region marked by cultural and religious diversity.

The signing took place at the Portiuncula, the first Franciscan Marian shrine, at a meeting that brought together leaders of several Marian shrines. The event, which included a prayer, was presided over by Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The initiative was promoted by the organization Oikos Mediterranean, the Pontifical International Marian Academy (PAMI), and the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), in collaboration with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.

The document was signed in the context of two anniversaries: the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s meeting in Assisi on October 27, 1986, which brought together leaders of various religions, and the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The manifesto grew out of a reflection meeting held in Perugia, attended by rectors and representatives of Christian shrines, as well as representatives from the Mediterranean region.

Marco Daniel Duarte, director of the Academy of Studies of the Shrine of Fatima, also spoke at the meeting. He highlighted the importance, in Fatima’s message, of themes shared with these religions, such as the adoration of God, the defense of peace, and the theme of pilgrimage itself. He also traced the history of this theme at the Shrine of Fatima, particularly beginning with the journeys of the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima.