Interreligious dialogue

For Bishop Palinuro, the presence of Leo XIV has restored "enthusiasm" to a Catholic community that had fallen into a certain torpor. The encounter with Orthodox leaders represented a return "to the origins of our faith," even if challenges remain. The pontiff's simple gestures have lifted “biases" among Muslims. The Vatican and Turkey are equally committed to peace in the Middle East through diplomacy.

On the day of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Turkey, AsiaNews publishes a reflection by Metropolitan Job. The theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics does not seek compromise. On the contrary, it produces fruits and agreements on the path towards visible Christian unity. The common condemnation of Uniatism as a method and the interdependence of primacy and synodality.

Ahead of the Pope's visit to Turkey, Monsignor Antuan Ilgıt, the first native to lead the Apostolic Vicariate of Anatolia, speaks: ‘I feel close to young people because of my life experience,’ he says. ‘Our Church? It is a seed for the world.’

Sarah Bernstein, executive director of the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue in Jerusalem, spoke at the Vatican. For her, Nostra Aetate, promulgated by the Second Vatican Council 60 years ago, teaches that dialogue must address the burning realities people may seek to avoid. Attacks by Jewish extremists on Christians and Muslims and their places of worship betray the very foundation of being Jewish. Leo XIV said, “The Church cannot tolerate anti-Semitism”.

From 20 to 24 October, the 18th edition of the Mspc is taking place in Iligan City, under the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’. An opportunity for prayer and reflection on the challenges of a region with a large Muslim and tribal population. Among the unresolved problems are poverty, unemployment and terrorism.

In its message on the occasion of Deepavali - which is being celebrated at this time - the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue recalls the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council document that encouraged Catholics to engage in dialogue, recognising the values that every religious tradition brings with it. ‘Hindus and Christians together nurture peace in our homes, communities and societies.’

Choosing a country that wants to return to being a model of pluralism is a “significant” step said Marwan Sehnaoui, president of the Order of Malta in Lebanon, speaking to AsiaNews. The visit will also include a meeting on Muslim-Christian dialogue. All leading government officials, including President Aoun, a Christian, and Parliamentary Speaker Nabib Berri, welcome the announcement of the visit, which will fulfil the late pope Francis’s wish to visit Lebanon.

The CCIDE and NCJP Pakistan are behind the initiative that brought together students, activists, as well as Muslim, Christian, Hindus, Sikh, and Parsi leaders. The nation's founder and the values ​​of tolerance and freedom of worship were stressed. True change lies in translating the values ​​of understanding, love, respect, and peace into concrete action.

A PIME missionary in the Philippines since 1977, he received the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the highest honours of his country of origin, at the embassy in Manila. Founder of the Silsilah movement for dialogue between Christians and Muslims, he sees this recognition as ‘a challenge to do more to help bring out the good in every person’.

For the Jewish leader, a leading figure in relations with Christians and Muslims, the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a "natural partner" to develop point 18 of the US plan to end the war in Gaza. “Such a clause already appears in the Abraham Accords, but nothing was implemented,” he said. For him, everyone is “blessed by the presence of as very wise as well as deeply spiritual Latin Patriarch (Pierbattista Pizzaballa) who understands the fears and aspirations of the different sides of conflict.”

In the Holy Year of Hope, such a deed is designed to provide relief and comfort to the many families experiencing financial hardship. This crisis has been ongoing for some time, partly due to Israeli government cuts, and exacerbated by the recent years of war. For Cardinal Pizzaballa, “This was not an easy decision” because it means loss of revenues, but it is a sign of “grace” in “a context of violence”.

The Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue visited Bangladesh for a week to meet with religious leaders, government officials and members of the community. The President of the Supreme Court called for overcoming religious, gender and racial divisions in order to achieve a peaceful and inclusive society. The cardinal's homily focused on humility and the dangers of pride.