By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis has conveyed a message to participants of the 2024 Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, commonly known as the Rimini Meeting. This annual event brings together a diverse group of individuals, including politicians, entrepreneurs, religious and cultural representatives, intellectuals, artists, and athletes, who gather in the Italian city of Rimini for a cultural experience centered on exploring the beauty of reality.
In a letter released on Monday and signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the theme for this year’s meeting—“If we are not after the essential, what are we after?”—is emphasized. The letter underscores the critical importance of seeking the essence of life and reality amid today’s challenges, encouraging participants to pursue that which brings forth the beauty of life.
Pope Francis urges attendees to view the struggles of modern life as a “call to reflection” that opens hearts to an encounter with God, fostering a deeper awareness of self, others, and the world around us. He highlights that the most important aspect of life is not material possessions or successes but rather “the relationship that sustains us, rooting our journey in trust and hope”—a friendship with God that is mirrored in our relationships with others.
The letter also recalls the Pope’s earlier speech to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, stating, “What is essential, most beautiful, most attractive, and at the same time most necessary for us is faith in Jesus Christ.” Pope Francis expresses his appreciation and support for the Rimini Meeting and encourages participants to become “responsible protagonists for change,” actively collaborating with the Church’s mission to create spaces where Christ’s presence can be experienced.
Finally, Pope Francis expresses his hope that the 2024 Rimini Meeting will inspire many to seek the essential in life and ignite a passion for proclaiming the Gospel—a force that liberates from all forms of slavery and has the power to heal and transform humanity.
