How did Pope John Paul II encourage people to reject violence done in the name of religion?

Pope John Paul II consistently advocated for nonviolence and explicitly rejected the use of religion as a justification for violence. He maintained that religion should never be used as an excuse for violent acts of any kind.1

His efforts to discourage religiously motivated violence included:

• Interfaith Reconciliation: He engaged in an unprecedented campaign of dialogue and apology, seeking to address historical grievances and sins committed by Catholics against other groups, including Jews and Muslims. By fostering personal connections with leaders of other faiths—such as his historic visits to a synagogue and a mosque—he promoted mutual respect and brotherhood.23
• Moral Authority: He emphasized the importance of universal moral law, urging the world to move away from a history of "violent coercion" toward a "century of persuasion".1
• Advocacy for Peace: Throughout his papacy, he frequently spoke against violence, supported nonviolent political movements like Solidarity, and personally intervened in international disputes to prevent war.13

By promoting these principles, he sought to uphold the inherent dignity of all people and replace conflict with dialogue.13