The community is a lay Catholic organization to assist the weak and the poor. It also has succeeded in mediating conflicts in Africa and other areas. Since 1987 it has annually sponsored international interfaith gatherings in Europe. “Every day all members of Saint Egidio meet the poor and marginalized with… friendship. In fact, we seek not so much to assist or help people as to become brothers and sisters of those whom the Gospel calls the humblest. ” From the acceptance speech by Prof. Andrea Riccardi, president of the Community