The prophetic dialogue between Francis and the Middle East

On February 7, at Domus Pacis in Assisi, the second meeting of the series “Francis has your eyes” took place, offering a reinterpretation of the encounter between Francis and the Sultan, in light of the contemporary situation in the Middle East. The gathering was held in the Auditorium of the Domus Pacis complex, a space transformed last January to be more conducive for such theological and societal conversations. A sustained applause marked the conclusion of this gathering, which was moderated by Sr. Mary Melone, sfa, Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family. His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, and His Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, were the two main speakers. The first speaker offered a historical perspective of Francis’ experience in Damietta, while the second reflected more generally on the Franciscan charism, and the call even today to tend the wounded heart of the Middle East.

The meeting of Saint Francis with Sultan Malek al-Kamil was not an act of aggressive proselytism, but a courageous witness and testimony. “Saint Francis had the courage to dialogue and express his faith without knowing what the outcome of this event would be.” According to Mons. Martinelli, embarking on mission among non-Christians is not about conquest, but rather an expression of our “minority.” Being submissive to every creature means witnessing one's faith through a humble love that welcomes the other without pretensions of power. Consider the example of the sisters in Yemen who decided to stay in that region despite many threats. “If the Eucharist remains, we need nothing else,” they proclaimed, testifying to the priority of a life of faith.

Cardinal Pizzaballa focused on the reality of the Holy Land today, a place where hatred has been fed for centuries by people promoting contempt and fear of the other. The Cardinal reminded his audience that the Church cannot always afford to be neutral, as neutrality in the face of evil “can become complicity.” He reiterated the Franciscan choice to remain physically close to communities that are hurting. He explained that those who maintain a radical and rigid self-identity have adopted that stance based on fear, while “our truest identity does not fear encounter,” rather it flows from the belief that we all “belong to one family.”

The event reaffirmed the value of fraternitas not as an abstract concept, but as “a work of love that should not fear failures.” We are not aiming for a future with one universal religion, but instead we seek to create a space where different faiths can collaborate and work for the common good of humanity. Peace is not a feeling, but a laborious task that requires shared responsibility on an institutional and civil level. Building bridges today means entering peacefully right where there is conflict without brining any more hatred.

The meeting concluded at the Porziuncola with some silent and prayer there and by the Chapel of the Transitus and with Vespers presided over by Cardinal Pizzaballa. The next meeting, scheduled for March 7, will be dedicated to the theme “Francis and his brothers”and will feature Giovanni Grado Merlo, professor emeritus from the University of Milan; Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, General Minister of the Order of Friars Minor; and Fr. Georges Massinelli, professor of Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Antonianum University, who will serve as moderator.

Source and photographs: assisiofm.it