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Even in his last speech, just hours before he left, Pope Francis appealed for peace. In the Urbi et orbi blessing of Holy Easter, he recalled the suffering in Palestine and Israel, of the Gaza conflict, of Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, of the "beloved Middle East."

These are the places dear to the John Paul II Foundation, those where for years and with daily commitment it has been giving proof that - as taught by Pope Woytila and reminded on every occasion by Pope Francis - "no peace is possible where there is no religious freedom or where there is no freedom of thought and speech and respect for the opinions of others. No peace is possible without true disarmament."
Pope Bergoglio urged us, in the light of Easter, "to break down the barriers that create divisions and are fraught with political and economic consequences." He invited us to "care for one another, to increase mutual solidarity, to work to foster the integral development of every human person." He reminded us to use the "weapons of peace": to use available resources to "help the needy, fight hunger and foster initiatives that promote development." Sowing peace instead of sowing death to build the future.

Holy Father, you have always asked us to pray for you, and precisely today that request finds its highest fulfillment: the John Paul II Foundation joins in the condolences of the Church and the whole world by accompanying you there where it is place-not place, there where love and truth will meet and justice and peace will kiss (Psalm 85:11-12).

You were a witness to peace and justice, you fought for the defense of the dignity of every person, for the promotion of a more just and supportive world. The strength of her words and the concreteness of her gestures, traced the path that we too are trying to walk; they will help us not to stumble.

In territories marked by conflict, poverty and inequality, his Magisterium has been an invaluable guide for our daily commitment as a Foundation alongside the most vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle East.

With gratitude and affection we promise you to commit ourselves to a future built on solidarity among peoples in the sign of your words and the incipit of our Statute which dedicates the commitment of the John Paul II Foundation "for dialogue, cooperation and development." As your teaching, Holy Father. So we shall do.

Neighbors in prayer and hope.

Florence, April 26, 2025

John Paul II Foundation Press Office:
Manuela Plastina - journalist
comunicazione@fondazionegiovannipaolo.org