Politicians vying for a place on the ballot in the next presidential election continue to engage in a war of words over the struggle in Iraq. Words such as “withdrawal” and “reduction” in reference to the presence of U.S. military forces are bantered about as candidates attempt to coax support from the American public for their positions.

At the same time, President Bush was quoted in a recent visit to the troops in Iraq as drawing a line in the sand between “victory” and “success” and he told a network TV anchor that any move to adjust the numbers of military personnel in Iraq will not be his decision alone but rather one “based on a calm assessment by military commanders…”

Meanwhile, warriors on the home front are growing in weariness and are restless to find a just and viable solution to the complicated conflict. So it seems natural to turn in a time of confusion to a saint whose trademark, if you will, is peace. St. Francis of Assisi, who served briefly in the military as a young man, eventually made a pilgrimage of non-violence to Egypt.

And it was more than fitting that in January of 2002 more than 200 representatives of the world’s religions—including Pope John Paul II—made their own pilgrimage to Francis’ homeland, Assisi in Italy; before leaving they fashioned what is known as the Assisi Decalogue for Peace 2002. The 10-point proclamation is more than worthy of a serious read. It can be viewed on the Internet at: www.fourthorder.org/decalogue.

According to an article in Portland’s Catholic Sentinel, a parish in that part of the United States has taken up the charge for peace, following the guidelines set out in the Decalogue. This month parishioners will be invited to take a pledge, committing themselves “to proclaim that violence and terrorism are incompatible with the authentic spirit of religion.”

Reporter Ed Langlois wrote that the organizer of the peace project believes a great many of St. Juan Diego parishioners are “ready to take the pledge.” It is expected to be translated into Spanish and made available to Catholic parishes as well as other faith communities.

Fans of St. Francis believe that he had a hand in teaching us to love and care for the planet and all the animals that inhabit it. Chances are that includes the human factor too.