Pope Francis sends message of reconciliation to religious communities

Pope Francis on February 6 expressed hope that his recent historic trip to the Arabian Peninsula will help reconcile Christian and Muslim communities.

Pope Francis. Photo: AFP.

In his regular address, the head of the Vatican referred to a document he recently signed with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, one of the main places of learning for Sunni Muslims. He stressed that the “document of good human sentiment” was a clear message that the meeting of the two religions was entirely possible, despite differences in culture and tradition.

“In the times in which we live, we want to send a clear message that, with mutual respect and a spirit of dialogue, despite differences in culture and traditions, the Christian and Muslim worlds can meet and defend common values ​​together,” the Pope shared.

The remarks came a day after Pope Francis concluded a visit to the United Arab Emirates and led an open-air prayer service for some 135,000 Christians.

This is an unprecedented event in the Arabian Peninsula, where the majority of the population is Muslim. According to Pope Francis, the dialogue between Christians and Muslims is a decisive factor for peace in today's world. The document signed earlier this week calls on all parties concerned to stop using religions to incite hatred, violence, extremism and fanaticism, as well as not to use the name of God to justify acts of barbaric massacre, terrorism or oppression./.