Faisalabad (AsiaNews) – Pakistani Muslims joined Christians in the Bishop's residence in Faisalabad on April 16 to pray for the conclave and John Paul II.

More than one hundred people—Catholics, Protestants and Muslims—representing various governmental and non governmental organisations took part in a collective prayer led by Mgr Joseph Coutts, Bishop of Faisalabad, for the cardinals who must elect the new Pontiff. Afterwards leaders from Pakistan's different religious communities had an opportunity to speak.

Prof Abdul Majeed, a Muslim, spoke about the late John Paul II as "a great man", stressing how "although everyone loves his own religion the Pope taught respect for other religions as well". "Allah," he said, "has appreciated his service to humanity and blessed him".

Another Muslim, Maulana Yousaf Anwar, said: "I am honoured to be here among you. The Pope was not only a Christian leader but a leader for the whole of humanity". Remembering meeting John Paul II in person many years ago, he added: "Our encounter was short but I felt a truly divine blessing in him".

Haji Taj Mehmood, a Muslim religious scholar, said the "Pontiff always worked for love, peace and inter-faith harmony."

"I can assure my Christian brothers that we [Muslims] are with them, that we will be an equal partner in promoting the teachings of the Pope."

"We vow today," he insisted, "that we are all one regardless of religion and we all will work together for peace."