After Marseille in 2023 with Pope Francis, and Tirana, Albania, in September 2024, the Mediterranean Encounters 2025 aim to be itinerant.
Designed for young people aged 20 to 35 from any nationality, culture, and religion in the Mediterranean region, these encounters seek to build strong bonds across the shores, encouraging young participants to commit concretely to peace upon returning to their countries. In this new edition, the “MED25 Encounters” will take place aboard the iconic sailing ship Bel Espoir. This unique journey embodies the spirit of the Jubilee 2025, launched by Pope Francis under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
United by Life at Sea
The program includes eight stages, each lasting two weeks, in key Mediterranean locations: Barcelona, Tetouan, Palermo, Bizerte, Malta, Chania, Nicosia, Jounieh, Istanbul… and, of course, Marseille, on October 25, 2025. Each stage will focus on a specific theme: education, migration challenges, women’s responsibility, interreligious dialogue, or environmental issues. At every departure port, a symposium will be held for young participants; at the arrival port, they will engage in festive activities and make a commitment to peace.
During the eight to ten days of sailing between shores, participants will live and work alongside the AJD (Association for Maritime Social Inclusion), founded by Father Michel Jaouen, which promotes social inclusion at sea.
A Shared Narrative and a School of Peace
“The dynamic follows the model of previous Mediterranean Encounters, centered on building a shared narrative,” explains Amaury Guillem, the project’s communication manager. “Each participant comes with their own education, religious references, and personal history, sometimes marked by wounds.” This approach resonates with the spirit of the recent synod, emphasizing respectful dialogue: listening without interruption, sharing what resonates, and reflecting on how these experiences can change our perspectives.
“Starting with listening to the other creates transformation, and from there, fraternity can arise,” adds Guillem. Alongside interpersonal exchanges, leading experts will provide training in anthropology, philosophy, and spirituality for young people from the five Mediterranean shores.
Certification and Project Continuity
The goal is to create a school of peace offering certified training with professional value. This initiative welcomes young people from across the Mediterranean, many already engaged in local peace projects. The aim is to train 200 young people between March and October 2025.
A solidarity fund is raising donations to sponsor participants, with a daily estimated cost of €70 per person. Applications are open at med25belespoir.org until the end of December 2024.
A Sustainable Project
“The goal is for this experience to be repeatable and not just a one-off event,” notes Father Alexis Leproux, the project leader. His hope is that this initiative will inspire a new generation dedicated to building lasting peace in the Mediterranean.
Join the Bel Espoir Odyssey
If you are between 20 and 35 years old and want to commit to peace in the Mediterranean, submit your application by December 31, 2024, to embark on one of the proposed stages. You will experience a unique human adventure!
This project is supported by La Vie. More information and applications at med25belespoir.org.
