Bosnian Franciscans warn peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is under threat

The Bosnian Franciscans made the appeal at the conclusion of a chapter, a gathering of the entire brotherhood held in Sarajevo, recalling their deep ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they have been present for 730 years.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina, our homeland, is once again facing challenges that threaten its peace, stability and unity. Political irresponsibility, social injustice, the emigration of young people, deepening divisions and the loss of trust in institutions are eroding the foundations of our society," the Franciscans said in a statement.

"We therefore call on those in power at all levels and people of goodwill to return to the fundamental human values that we all share. We appeal to everyone to refrain from raising tensions and using inflammatory rhetoric, so that we may preserve one of God's greatest blessings for any country – peace among all its people," the statement said.

They also said they could not remain silent in the face of so much suffering in the world, as the dreadful wars still raging in many countries "echo with the painful cries of so many innocent victims, the displaced, the hungry and the forgotten, calling for compassion, prayer and concrete action."

In a time of growing selfishness, violence and the relativisation of truth, the Bosnian Franciscans said they want to be witnesses of the hope of the Gospel, because they truly believe that peace, justice and reconciliation are both possible and necessary in today's world.

"We believe in the power of small acts of kindness. We are convinced that society can be changed from the ground up – through education in families, schools and religious communities. That is why we call on all responsible politicians, religious leaders, intellectuals, media content creators and others in this country not to give in to indifference and despair, but to work with faith and responsibility to build a fairer and more compassionate society. We Franciscans, present in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than 730 years, will continue to serve every person in the spirit of fraternity and the Gospel," they said.

In a time of deepening social insecurity and spiritual crisis, the Bosnian Franciscans said they want to continue to be a sign of hope and faith and to act in the spirit of the Gospel, building bridges of dialogue, reconciliation, kindness and love among people of different faiths and ethnicities. They called on all people of goodwill to join them in seeking the path of peace, goodness and justice.

Franciscan Province of Bosna Srebrena is a province of the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina.