IMCS Pax Romana Joins Global Effort for Peace at Nagasaki Catholic Peace Forum

Nagasaki, Japan | August 10, 2024

On August 10, 2024, IMCS Pax Romana had the privilege of participating in the Nagasaki Catholic Peace Forum (CPF), held at Otsugeno Maria Syuudoujyokai in Nagasaki, Japan. This gathering brought together Catholic organizations, leaders, and youth from across the globe, united in their commitment to promoting peace and advocating for nuclear disarmament.

The forum, inspired by Catholic social teachings such as Laudato Si’ (2015) and Fratelli Tutti (2020), was a powerful reminder of the Church’s call to build a just and peaceful world. Partnering with organizations like Pax Christi Korea, Pax Christi USA, and the International Youth Training Center (IYTC), IMCS Pax Romana joined in solidarity to contribute to these vital discussions.

A Platform for Unity and Action
The theme of the forum, “Just and Sustainable Peace without Nuclear Weapons in Asia – The Role of the Catholic Church and Pax Christi Movement,” set the tone for meaningful conversations and collaboration. Participants explored how faith-based initiatives can contribute to addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

Highlights of the Forum

1. Engaging Leaders and Communities:
   The forum brought together a diverse group of participants, including:
   • Archbishop Peter Michiaki Nakamura of Nagasaki.
   • Bishop Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama of Hiroshima.
   • U.S. Archbishops Paul D. Etienne (Seattle) and John C. Wester (Santa Fe).

Their insights and leadership guided discussions on how the Church can serve as a beacon for peace in a world fraught with conflict and division.

2. Dynamic Discussions:
   The sessions were both inspiring and practical, addressing topics such as:
   • The unique role of youth in advancing peace initiatives.
   • Catholic efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons, with a focus on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
   • Emerging peace challenges in Asia and beyond.
3. Youth at the Heart of Peacebuilding:
   IMCS Pax Romana emphasized the critical importance of youth-led initiatives in peacebuilding. Through shared experiences and collaborative dialogues, the forum highlighted the transformative power of young people in creating lasting change.
4. The Nagasaki Appeal for Peace:
   One of the key outcomes of the forum was the drafting of the Nagasaki Appeal for Peace. This document calls for deeper collaboration between Catholic peace organizations and youth movements and advocates for the global ratification of the nuclear disarmament treaty. It will be formally adopted later this month and presented to Pope Francis during the 100th anniversary of Pax Romana.

Our Role and Reflections
For IMCS Pax Romana, the forum was an opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute. We:

• Advocated for Youth Leadership: Reiterating the importance of equipping young people with the tools and opportunities to lead peace efforts.
• Strengthened Partnerships: Collaborating with other Catholic organizations to build a united front for peace and justice.
• Renewed Our Commitment: Recognizing the urgency of nuclear disarmament and pledging to continue advocating for sustainable peace.

Looking Ahead
The Nagasaki Catholic Peace Forum left us deeply inspired and hopeful. It reaffirmed our belief that peace is not only possible but necessary, and it is something we must all work for together.

As we move forward, IMCS Pax Romana remains committed to supporting youth-led initiatives, fostering global collaboration, and building a future where peace is a reality for all. We look forward to the formal adoption of the Nagasaki Appeal for Peace and its presentation to Pope Francis—a moment that will further energize our collective mission for a more just and peaceful world.