Priest renown for his philosophy of peace and forgiveness spoke at A.U.
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A Colombian priest, whose his philosophy of forgiveness helped set the tone of peace talks in his country’s long-running armed conflict, brought his message of forgiveness and reconciliation to American University earlier this month.
Fr. Leonel Narvaez. Photo provided by A.U.
Father Leonel Narvaez, a Consolata Missionary priest, established the Foundation for Reconciliation in Bogota to further his mission of promoting peace in the political sphere. He believes that forgiveness can overcome political conflict or policy disagreements, a philosophy that he brought to his three-year tenure on the Thematic Committee negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He has also developed peace projects in local Colombian communities, winning awards and recognition both inside Colombia and internationally.
In Washington as part of a U.S. speaking tour, Fr. Narvaez participated in A.U.’s Exploring Social Justice Program on April 9 to discuss his ideology, as well as why it was relevant for young people—particularly stressed-out college students. During the discussion, a student asked Fr. Narvaez how to get in the habit of constantly practicing forgiveness, since forgiving others can sometimes be so difficult.
“[Forgiveness] is difficult. I couldn’t agree with you more there,” Fr. Narvaez replied. “But those that cannot forgive are only contributing to the toxins growing inside them, and [the toxins] come in many forms, like mental illness, stress and physiological difficulties. To forgive is to heal not only relationships, but oneself.”
Fr. Narvaez told the audience that he hopes he can spread his thoughts about peace to a younger generation, and inspire them to incorporate aspects of his mission into their own lives—whether they be political or not, instilling the idea of a culture of peace in younger minds.
—Kristin Thompson
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