The II «Mafra Dialogues» featured a message on behalf of Pope Francis, signed by the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and read by the Apostolic Nuncio in Lisbon, D. Ivo Scapolo.
It highlighted the importance of events such as «Mafra Dialogues» for strengthening security, peace and fraternity among peoples. The need for dialogue was also highlighted as a fundamental tool to achieve peace and the creation of mechanisms that guarantee the development of Humanity, such as access to food and housing, work and health, education and justice. Freedoms, such as freedom of expression and religious freedom, have not been forgotten either, something of great importance considering the resurgence of authoritarianism and extremist expression movements that seek to limit and suppress fundamental rights.
Multilateralism was also highlighted as the only way to respond to major global problems such as the pandemic, climate change and mass migration, ending with the hope that another step has been taken towards peace and fraternity with the work of the II «Mafra Dialogues.