Piazza della Pace

Piazza della Pace is located in the historic center of Parma, in its center there are fountains and trees with a large empty space caused by the air raids of May 13, 1944.

This square in downtown Parma bears a special dedication in its name: "Piazza della PACE" – what more could the world need at this time? As a small personal encouragement to peace, I would like to offer the welcoming words of Pope Leo XIV to any hiker, stroller, or jogger who might stop here for a moment. Before he bestowed the traditional "urbi et orbi" blessing on the waiting faithful immediately after his election, he addressed the people gathered in St. Peter's Square, as well as those participating via radio, television, and online media, with these moving words:
+ "Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the Good Shepherd... I too hope that this greeting of peace will enter your hearts, reach your families, all people, wherever they are, all nations, the whole earth. Peace be with you!" This is the peace of the risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, the God who loves us all unconditionally."
(Robert Francis Prevost / Pope Leo XIV)