In 2005, the 10th Annual International Festival for Peace in Assisi, Italy bagan on the International Day of Peace, 21 September.

The holy city of Assisi, home of St. Francis, where Pope John Paul II held two major interfaith days of prayers for peace (1986 and 2002), embraced the 24 hour IDP Vigil and conference. Thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion in one of the world’s most sacred cities.

The International Festival for Peace: The Festival featured Italian national and international performing artists. The Festival was in its 10th year and its organizers, the United Artists for Peace, decided to coordinate its date to correspond with the IDP. View the schedule of performing artists and events for the 10th Annual Festival for Peace. Also see the official website for the festival: www.peacefestival.com.

IDP Vigil: The beautiful church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Assisi’s oldest standing church, hosted the 24-hour Vigil observance. All faiths are welcome. Special prayers were said at specified times for countries in conflict. View the schedule.

The church of Santa Maria Maggiore

IDP Vigil Conference: Two panel discussions were included in the program with leaders from religious, spiritual and interfaith groups and from countries in conflict. The panels were aimed at sharing information about successful networking techniques and the benefits of using spiritual observations in conflict areas. View more detailed information about IDP Vigil Panel Discussions and speakers.

Panel I Topic: What are the roles and opportunities presented to religious, spiritual and interfaith leaders and communities by the International Day of Peace?

Panel II Topic: What are the opportunities presented by the International Day of Peace and the IDP Vigil in particular, to religious, spiritual and interfaith leaders in regions of conflict?