Twenty years after the dramatic siege of Sarajevo (1991-1995), religious leaders and notables from political circles from about 60 countries gathered in the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo from 9-11 September to participate in a world meeting for peace.
Organized by the St. Egidio Community (a Christian evangelical movement founded in Rome) in collaboration with the Islamic and Jewish communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna-Sarajevo, this 26th world meeting, first celebrated by Blessed John Paul II in 1986, has become an annual event aimed at fostering interreligious dialogue in keeping with the spirit of Assisi.
The encounter highlights the new role of religions, which today have become a powerful element in promoting unity and peaceful cohabitation throughout the world.