Paris 2026: 15,000 hearts beating as one for peace

The 48th European Meeting of Taizé has just come to an end. From 28 December to 1 January, Paris and its suburbs were transformed into a vast laboratory of fraternity. A look back at five days in which young people showed the way of hope.

There were 15,000 of them. Coming from all over Europe, these young people aged 18 to 35 responded to the call of the Taizé community and local churches. While the large evening gatherings at the Accor Arena (Bercy) made a lasting impression with their fervour and impressive silence, it was locally that the experience took on its full meaning. In Rosny-sous-Bois, our parish had the joy of welcoming 80 young people. Thanks to the mobilisation of many families, each pilgrim found a roof over their head and a friendly face. The days began with multilingual prayers in local churches, before the young people went to Paris for workshops and times of sharing.

Witnesses that move us

Sr Brigitte Lener, a member of the Rosny-sous-Bois community, testifies: "Among our guests, the presence of Ilona, Kate and Sandra, who arrived from Lviv in Ukraine, was a moment of special grace. Welcoming these three young women, whose country has been suffering the horrors of war for four years, was a lesson in courage. Their smiles and their faith, despite their trials, illustrated the message of Taizé: 'All human beings are one family and God dwells in every person, without exception. "

Taizé: a ‘parable’ born in turmoil

This gathering is not just a youth festival; it is part of a profound history. It all began in 1940, when Brother Roger, aged just 25, moved to the small Burgundian village of Taizé to help refugees and Jews fleeing the war. Today, the community has 80 brothers from 30 different countries. Catholic, Anglican or Protestant, they prove through their communal life that reconciliation is possible. This ‘pilgrimage of trust on earth’ began decades ago and continues to bear fruit, offering young people a space to reflect on their future in an atmosphere of silence and sharing.

The Paris meeting is over, but the spirit of Taizé remains. The bonds forged between host families and young people do not fade away with the departure of the trains. As one participant pointed out: ‘We leave with less sleep, but with so much more light.’