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(RNS) — Walking down the peaceful, windy and hilly streets of the Old City of Assisi, one enters the sacred chapel of the Papal Basilica of St. Francis. Faithful show their devotion to God in silent prayer, many genuflecting before the crucifix upon entering the narthex; others prostrate on their knees. In a profoundly moving display of faith and solidarity, thousands of worshipers gathered there last week to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace, launched by Pope John Paul II in that city in 1986.

Just a few days before I joined them there, I entered the most sacred holy site in Christianity, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. On previous visits, I have seen hordes of Christians, local and international pilgrims, desperate to kiss, touch or at least witness the believed historical site of Golgotha, Christ’s crucifixion, and the Tomb of Jesus.…