Pope Encourages Dialogue and Mutual Respect with our Muslim Brothers
Muslims are “our brothers” and Christians must cultivate “mutual respect” with them. These were the words of Pope Francis yesterday during the Angelus, a message which could signal a turnaround in the relationship between the Catholic Church and Islam. This changing tide can even be seen in the words used in addressing Muslims. This is the first Pope to have referred to Muslims in such direct and explicit terms as “our brothers”. This would have been practically unthinkable even up until the recent past.
During the Angelus, the pontiff made reference to the message sent to Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr feast, which was published on 2 August, which he asked to sign personally “as an expression of my esteem for and friendship with all Muslims”. This was another example of a break with tradition, since the yearly message is normally sent out by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.
As well as focusing on the topic of fostering “mutual respect” between Christians and Muslims through the education of young people, the Pope also used the document as a reminder as to why he chose his papal name, Francis, telling us that this choice was inspired by “a very famous saint who deeply loved God and every human being, so much so that he was called ‘universal brother’”. Bergoglio’s attitude encourages to overcome any type of misunderstanding between religions, using forms of expression and behaviour which show genuine “brotherhood”, especially since there has been no lack of incidences of misunderstanding over the last few years.
During his trip to Lampedusa on 8 July, the pontiff caused a great impact when, during the Mass, he addressed the “dear Muslim immigrants who are starting their Ramadan fast this evening, wishing you an abundant spiritual harvest”. This manner of sending out wishes to other believers, that they grow in their faith, was hitherto completely unheard of for a head of the Catholic Church. This is a sign of utmost respect.
The Pope then went on to say to the Muslim immigrants, “the Church is close to you in your search for a more dignified life for you and your families”. During the Angelus, Francis underscored the need for Christians and Muslims “to strive to promote mutual respect”, referring back to the contents of the message sent out to Muslims for the feast of Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that brings Ramadan to a close. It is indeed worthy of note that the Pope decided to place added emphasis on this point when speaking to the members of the faithful gathered together at the Angelus.
As expressed in the words of Hamza Piccardo, one of the founders of UCOII (Union of Italian Islamic Communities), the pontiff’s message was welcomed with immense pleasure and gratitude. This can be read in the letter of response sent out by UCOII.
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