Pope Benedict XVI has said he will organise a summit in Assisi with religious heads to discuss how they can promote world peace.

[sianrose]

In a New Year message, the Pope also condemned inter-religious violence, including attacks against Christians in the Middle East.

The summit in the Italian city will be held in October, 25 years after Pope John Paul organised a similar event.

His announcement came hours after a bomb went off at a church in Egypt.

At least 17 people died in the blast at the Coptic Christian Church in the northern Egyptian city of Alexandria, sparking a clash between Christians and Muslims.

Speaking in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Benedict said the aim of the summit would be to "to solemnly renew the effort of those with faith of all religions to live their faith as a service for the cause of peace".

"Facing the threatening tensions of the moment, especially discrimination, injustices and religious intolerance, which today strike Christians in a particular way, once again, I make a pressing appeal not to give in to discouragement and resignation," he said.

He said the summit would also "honour the memory of the historical event promoted by my predecessor".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12103186

CNN-- Pope Benedict XVI spoke out Saturday against a recent wave of religious attacks against Christians and rallied worshippers not to "cave into depression and resignation," hours after a bomb explosion outside a church in Egypt killed 21 people.

During his New Year's Day homily titled, "Religious Freedom, the road to peace," Benedict asked followers and governments to join efforts in combating religious persecution.

I wonder if this is going anywhere...

[tekmantwo]

I wonder if this is going anywhere...

Well, sure it is~~~

right down that broad spacious hiway.....

[bohemian]

Awake! 1987 6/8 p3-4 had an article about the previous meeting.

[rachee]

That was interesting especially where the Awake article compares the 1986 event to the biblical tower of Babel. Interestingly the Queen of England made similar comments in her speech. It seems the heads of state and religion are promoting world peace.