“The theme chosen by Pope Francis in his first message for the World Day of Peace on the first of January, 2014 – ‘Fraternity, the foundation and pathway to peace’ – invites us to promote the culture of encounter, dialogue and cooperation, to build together, amongst various people, a future of peaceful living together. The Community of Sant'Egidio, grateful to Pope Francis for the encouragement and the example of tireless pastoral energy shown by his participation in the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, confirms its commitment, in this summer of solidarity, alongside the poorest and the weakest, especially elderly people living alone, who risk living situations of more uncomfortable inconvenience due to the heat wave, particularly intense these days.

The culture of encounter and sharing the pope reminds us, must lead us to multiply the solidarity initiatives to change the face of our cities making them more human and solidarity-based. Peace is built around us by placing the needs and problems of the poorest at the centre of our attention, Impagliazzo added. As every year, on the first of January, 2014 the Community of Sant'Egidio will organise, in all the countries where it is present, a peace march that will end at noon with the recitation of the Angelus, he concluded”.

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