Millennial writer Chris Crawford writes:

Amid these challenges, it is worth reflecting on the example of St. Pope John Paul II and his historic gathering in Assisi 40 years ago. He convened the World Day of Prayer for Peace — bringing leaders from a wide range of religions to pray alongside one another. He tried to strike a challenging balance — to gather international, interfaith leaders to each pray for peace while also being clear that his own Catholic Church has the truest religious understanding.

In the face of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States, this anniversary is an opportunity for Catholics to consider how we can be good neighbors….

Through times of discord, interfaith leaders have returned to Assisi — during the Cold War, during the Balkans war, and following the September 11 attacks. They show us that even amid war, chaos and polarization, dialogue and shared action are still possible….

If we are to be faithful to the Spirit of Assisi in this generation, it is going to require that we, too, find our own way of living out the truth of the Catholic faith in a way that deepens our understanding as we walk with people of other faiths. This means standing with our Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters as they face increased hate and attacks on their religious freedom — while understanding that our own religious freedom is intertwined with theirs.