They came from all over the world to participate in the II International Living Peace Congress that took place in Castel Gandolfo (Rome) from the first to the fourth of December. Some numbers to give an idea of the magnitude of the event: almost 160 people from more than 40 countries . Young people, adults, men and women of different cultures, all gathered by the dream of building a world of peace. Despite the difficulties of the period we are living, the Living Peace network firmly believes in the transversal values of peace. The Congress was organized following a different approach compared to the classic ones conferences: the focus of the days was on group work that encouraged exchange and comparison between people from different countries and cultures. Professor Josè Luis Cabezas Casado of the University of Granada offered insights and reflections on how each of us can concretely contribute to building a culture of peace. However, there were also more “theoretical” moments, such as the round table in which peace was discussed in different contexts: social, political, intercultural and ecological. One of the most significant moments was the interreligious timeout in which representatives of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism took part, each praying in their own language. The emotions of the participants were strong. Many messages arrived at the end of the Congress. Like that of a boy from Portugal :
“There are no words to describe what I feel. On the plane, I was scrolling through my phone gallery to choose some photos for a photoshoot and I couldn’t hold back: I started crying. Even though this wasn’t my first time in this kind of experience, it’s always difficult. then start again. I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU, and congratulations to everyone for making this conference memorable and to be repeated!”
