“You have chosen a good theme, in this absurd time in which, without having yet come out of a pandemic that has afflicted all humanity with great suffering and sorrow, we find ourselves in the midst of the suffering and tragedy of a war,” he said.

“Every war is born of injustice, every war, including those that at times we wage in our families and communities, that are fought in silence; they too are born of injustice. It is sad to see that humanity is not capable of thinking with mindsets and plans of peace. We all think with mindsets of war … Brotherhood is for all, and it is made manifest in mindsets that change the life of families, communities, peoples, nations and the world.”

Christians are to “set the example” for the peace that we all need, the pope stated.

“I ask you to be bridges, to create bridges, to pray and work for peace,” he concluded.

The congress will include discussions on family, youth ministry, social justice, and pastoral formation. Meetings with national legislators will be held to encourage immigration reform. The apostolic nuncio to the US, Archbishop Christoph Pierre, is addressing the gathering.

A report from the meeting is to be presented to the US Conference of Catholic bishops as the conference prepares a national pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry.