At Assisi the Holy Father knocks on the head any kind of sentimental, New Age or compromising peace.

Franciscan peace is not something saccharine,” he said, “That is not the real Saint Francis! Nor is it a kind of pantheistic harmony with forces of the cosmos… That is not Franciscan either; it is a notion some people have invented!”

“The peace of Saint Francis is the peace of Christ, and it is found by those who ‘take up’ their ‘yoke,’ namely, Christ’s commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.”

True peace is powerful and pure. True peace does not compromise, but is inextricably linked with an acceptance of the cross of Christ. Peace comes through gazing on the crucified and knowing his everlasting mercy.

Go here for a full report on the Pope’s Assisi visit.