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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