Pope: Grand mosque Rome, let's resume path toward peace

Pope: Grand mosque Rome, let's resume path toward peace
2 Minuti di Lettura
Lunedì 18 Marzo 2013, 15:49
ROME - Muslims and Christians should walk together along a path built on peace, simplicity and humility, Italy's Islamic Cultural Centre said in a letter sent to the newly elected Pope Francis. In the letter, the secretary general of the Cultural Centre of the Grand mosque of Rome, Abdellah Redouane, said such a path had been taken ever since the pontificate of Pope Paul VI, strengthened and confirmed event at the most critical times.



It is with this spirit, «unchanged and trusting, that Italy's Cultural Islamic Centre welcomes the election of Pope Francis and will continue to work in inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue», the letter also said. «Muslims expect to be able to boost that bridge constituted by dialogue and cooperation which is being built step by step, together, between Islam and Christianity, a bridge looking towards a better world for all».



Even the choice of the pontiff's name, continued Redouane, «is a choice that bodes well as we hold in our hearts the figure of Friar Francis, which is particularly dear to us». Travelling in the lands of Islam at a time of great conflict, Redouane said, «Francis chose a path of peace, the only path possible, through dialogue with sultan al-Malik al-Kamil». The secretary general cited a passage in the first sermon of the pontiff and stressed the importance of two words used by Pope Francis, «walking and building». «Walking along God's path, building a future for mankind, in this life, ahead of Eternal Life». Such words, wrote Redouane who will be attending the papal inaugural ceremony on Tuesday, «are common and bring us closer».
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