Pope Francis went outside the Vatican walls to inaugurate the exhibition 'Calligraphy for Dialogue' at the Pontifical Lateran University.
The exhibition aims for interreligious and cultural dialogue and is a tribute to Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. It consists of 24 pieces by an artist from Saudi Arabia, Othman Alkhuzaiem, who accompanied the pope as he showed him his works of art.
Then the pope entered the main hall of the university, where he was welcomed with these words by the rector. The university is preparing for the Global Compact on Education for Peace, convened by the pope for May 2020.
VINCENZO BUONOMO
Rector of Pontifical Lateran University
Thank you for this moment that concludes the reflection of a day dedicated to education and peace issues, to fundamental rights issues.
Pope Francis gave more details of why he decided to convene this world day at the Vatican. He's invited people from various fields to event, from professors, to religious and political leaders.
POPE FRANCIS
To educate for peace is to give relief and a response to those who are condemned to death by conflicts and wars. Or who are required to abandon their loved ones, their homes or their countries of origin.
Pope Francis explained that new generations need an education to learn how to communicate and live together.
POPE FRANCIS
In the absence of peace, it is not enough to invoke the freedom of war, proclaim rights or also use authority in its different forms. It is necessary to question and relearn how to be with others.
In next year's May meeting, interreligious dialogue will play a fundamental role. That is why the pope remembered Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. He was prefect of the Vatican dicastery in charge of relations with other faiths. He died in 2018 and Pope Francis defined him as an example of a man who knew how to construct peace through dialogue.
Javier Romero
Melissa Butz
