International Encounter for Peace and Reconciliation
International Encounter for Peace and Reconciliation
The "International Encounter for Peace and Reconciliation" held at Loyola University Chicago on March 7, 2026 as part of the Building Bridges Initiative, invited students, faculty, and practitioners to gather for a day of peacebuilding in the synodal spirit.
The gathering received a letter from Pope Leo XIV and from Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça (Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education). The event also featured addresses by Cardinal Blase Cupich, Emilce Cuda (Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America), and Bishop Oscar Cantú (Diocese of San Jose).
See some of the developing international media coverage of the event below.
Official Documents
Pope Leo XIV, MESSAGE OF POPE LEO XIV TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL ENCOUNTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO, The Holy See, 2 March, 2026.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Statement of Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, “A Call to Conscience”, Archdiocese of Chicago, 7 March, 2026.
In the Media
Vatican News, "Pope: An era without conflict is not unattainable", March 7, 2026.
Courtney Mares, "Pope Leo XIV urges Chicago students to be 'co-workers for peace with Christ", National Catholic Reporter, March 9, 2026.
Edward Desciak, "Cardinals McElroy and Cupich denounce Iran war: ‘War now has become a spectator sport.’" America, March 9, 2026.
Munya Noman, "Listening For Peace: Loyola Hosts International ‘Building Bridges’ Gathering", Loyola Phoenix, 11 March, 2026.
This event was supported by: Catholic Extension, The Lilly Endowment (Haciendo Caminos Fellowship), The John Courtney Murray, S.J. University Chair in Public Service at Loyola University Chicago, the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano y Caribeño (CELAM), the Dicasterium de Cultura et Educatione, and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.