Invocation for Peace in the Vatican


On Sunday evening, June 8, 2014, the Feast of Pentecost, Pope Francis accompanied by President Shimon Peres from Israel and President Mahmoud Abbas from Palestine and in the presence of Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew attended an invocation for peace in the Vatican gardens.

Read the program here

View the ceremony here

The “invocation for peace” was divided into three moments, Jewish, Christian and Muslim. Each of the delegations recited prayers that focused on three particular themes: thanksgiving for creation, asking pardon from God, and a prayer for peace. The moments were punctuated by music from the three traditions.

At the end of the cycle of prayer, Pope Francis, President Peres and President Abbas addressed the assembled delegations from Israel, Palestine and the Holy See.

At the end of the ceremony, the Pope embraced the two Presidents with a kiss of peace and the two Presidents embraced one another ad Patriarch Bartholomew joined them too. The four men then proceeded to plant an olive tree before meeting together in private.

The moving ceremony was organized by Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land.

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