The Community of Sant'Egidio expresses joy and satisfaction at the announcement of peace in Colombia. It ends a war that has lasted since 1964. It is a good news that gives hope in a difficult moment for the world.

The story of the search for peace in Colombia is long and complex. It took place in several stages, up to the one that developed from 2012 in Cuba and now comes to a successful conclusion.

In all these years the Community of Sant'Egidio has been close to the protagonists, involved in various important moments, cooperating and always supporting the choice of the negotiations, which eventually proved to be the only possible way.

Peace in Colombia is a message for everyone: even if the reasons of the conflict seem to get lost in time and the distance between the parties seems insurmountable, it is always possible to reach a reasonable compromise. Peace is always possible.

Now the time of reconciliation and implementation of the agreement begins. It may be also long and complex, but it is essential that hostilities have ended.

After immense suffering, over 200,000 deaths and 5 million displaced people, a new time is coming also for Colombia.

We are all called to support this peace and the Colombian people, who suffered so much and now only asks for this.

The Community of Sant'Egidio, while welcoming the successful conclusion of the negotiations, confirms its closeness and willingness to support friendship with the reasons for living together and will continue to work towards the success of the agreement.