In anticipation of World Tourism Day on September 27, the Dicastery for Evangelization has released a message focusing on this year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace.”
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery, discussed the connection between tourism and cultural exchange in promoting global peace.
“The absence of tourists creates an additional expression of poverty among the population that loses a necessary form of livelihood to live with due dignity,” said the prelate.
He emphasized the economic importance of tourism in maintaining dignity among affected populations.
Archbishop Fisichella expressed gratitude to clergy and laypersons working to enhance tourism and pilgrimage experiences, despite security challenges.
He encouraged them to “open themselves to new paths, keeping alive the possibility that the pilgrimage routes to countries that traditionally hold the richness of our faith and history will soon resume.”
The message also included support from Pope Francis for a culture of encounter, highlighting tourism as a vehicle for promoting peace.
The archbishop echoed the Pope’s vision, stating that the commitment to peace could transform tourists into “messengers of peace.”
Archbishop Fisichella discussed the Holy Year and the opening of the Holy Door as important events expected to draw millions of pilgrims.
“The Holy Year… will allow millions of pilgrims to experience the jubilee indulgence, carrying with them the hope of peace and reconciliation,” he noted.
The prelate emphasized the need for peace amid global conflicts. He quoted Pope Francis’s hopes for an end to arms, underscoring the power of uniting tourism with peace: “Is it too much to dream that the weapons will be silenced and stop bringing destruction and death?”
