Pope Francis Inspires Nonviolence Discussions at New Seminar Series in Rome

The inaugural seminar of a four-part series organized by the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence, aimed at supporting the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, will be held every Friday in October.

(Rome, October 4th, 2024). “The Gospel supposes that an active behavior against violence (…) has to be done, stated Maria Clara Bingemer, Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro.

She noted that, as part of the ongoing discussions on nonviolence at the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence has officially launched the first seminar in a four-part series dedicated to nonviolence, which is a key component of Pax Christi International’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative. The consultant to the General Secretariat of the Synod explained, referring to nonviolence, ”that love is stronger than hate”.

Nonviolence or non-existence

The inaugural seminar, Nonviolence: Faithful & Effective, centered on integrating nonviolent principles within the framework of faith and their practical implications. Theologians, scholars, and practitioners examined the centrality of nonviolence to the Catholic faith, its potential as a powerful strategy for ending violence and fostering peace, and the significant role the Church can play in promoting nonviolence globally. The discussions underscored the urgent need for a cultural shift toward active nonviolence and emphasized the Church’s capacity to contribute to this movement worldwide.

In a recent statement, Pope Francis echoed the sentiments of Dr. Martin Luther King, asserting that humanity faces a choice between ‘nonviolence or non-existence.’ He has consistently emphasized that the devastating impacts of war, poverty, racism, environmental destruction, and various forms of violence and injustice affecting billions worldwide demand a compelling nonviolent response.

David Cochran, PhD, Professor of Politics and Co-director of the Peace and Justice minor at Loras College, stated: “What we know about war and peace from Social Science Research strongly supports deepening the Catholic commitment to nonviolence.

Wolfgang Palaver, PhD, Professor, Dean from 2013 to 2017 of Catholic Social Thought at the School of Catholic Theology at the University of Innsbruck, stated: “Gospel nonviolence means active nonviolence that resists evil nonviolently, and it is at the center of the concept of just peace that has slowly replaced the just war tradition in Christian peace ethics.” In an era marked by escalating global violence, which Pope Francis has termed a ‘Third World War fought piecemeal,’ the Catholic Church is revisiting the teachings of Jesus. Jesus instructed us to love our enemies, sheathe our swords, respond to violence with peace, and become true peacemakers.

The Church is increasingly aware that nonviolence is central to the Gospel and thus integral to its mission and identity. Moreover, it recognizes that nonviolence represents a universal ethic, a spirituality, a way of life, and a powerful strategy for social change. This approach emphasizes the rejection of violence and the refusal to harm others while harnessing the transformative power of love in action.

To support the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence organized a free seminar series titled The Power of Active Nonviolence: Transforming the Church, Changing the World taking place every Friday in October from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CET at the Instituto Maria Santissima Bambina in Romed. The seminars were also live-streamed, enabling broader participation and engagement from a global audience.

Press Contact:
Florencia Falcone: +34 644 674 798 – florencia.falcone@lamachi.com


 

Unfortunately, due to technical issues, we were unable to livestream or professionally record the first seminar. However, we were able to capture two interventions on amateur recordings.

You can find Dr. David Cochran’s intervention here and Dr. Wolfgang Palaver’s presentation here.