Priests march in Rome to protest arms industry and call for peace

Approximately 100 priests from eight countries and various regions of Italy participated in a peace march in Rome on September 22. Organized by the ‘Priests Against Genocide’ network, the demonstration aimed to advocate for diplomacy and protest the arms industry.

During the procession, participants carried a shroud bearing the names of 300 Palestinian and Lebanese children reported killed following recent ceasefire declarations. The march included prayer services at the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia and moved through several locations, including Via della Conciliazione, accompanied by music composed specifically for the event.

The demonstration concluded in front of the headquarters of Leonardo, a major European defense company. Protesters targeted the firm due to its role in the arms sector and its supply of components for military equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces. The initiative received support from Michel Sabbah, Emeritus Patriarch of Jerusalem, who called for mercy for victims in Gaza and the West Bank.