World religious leaders gather in Assisi, Italy for a summit to promote peace.
The initiative was called by Catholic Pope Benedict XVI, on the 25th anniversary of a similar event hosted by his predecessor John Paul II.
Pilgrims gathered outside the Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica, where the meeting took place.
Many had travelled long distances to take part, such as one group Romania.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ORTHODOX FAITHFUL FROM ROMANIA, MARIA:
"We are so happy to be here. Yesterday was a great moment when after a day of hard rain we arrive here, and we were so happy realising that we've done 140 kilometres, we are here for the meeting with the Pope."
The summit comes following concerns over rising inter-religious violence.
In January Benedict expressed concern for the persecution of Christians around the world.
Earlier this month, at least 25 people were killed in Cairo when a protest by Coptic Christians was violently suppressed by the army.
In November last year, more than 50 hostages and police officers were killed when al Qaeda gunmen stormed a Baghdad church.
The Vatican fears that continuing attacks are fuelling a Christian exodus from the Middle East.
Simon Hanna, Reuters
The initiative was called by Catholic Pope Benedict XVI, on the 25th anniversary of a similar event hosted by his predecessor John Paul II.
Pilgrims gathered outside the Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica, where the meeting took place.
Many had travelled long distances to take part, such as one group Romania.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ORTHODOX FAITHFUL FROM ROMANIA, MARIA:
"We are so happy to be here. Yesterday was a great moment when after a day of hard rain we arrive here, and we were so happy realising that we've done 140 kilometres, we are here for the meeting with the Pope."
The summit comes following concerns over rising inter-religious violence.
In January Benedict expressed concern for the persecution of Christians around the world.
Earlier this month, at least 25 people were killed in Cairo when a protest by Coptic Christians was violently suppressed by the army.
In November last year, more than 50 hostages and police officers were killed when al Qaeda gunmen stormed a Baghdad church.
The Vatican fears that continuing attacks are fuelling a Christian exodus from the Middle East.
Simon Hanna, Reuters
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