Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service ) - ‘Continuing Dialogue’ is the title of the Holy See’s annual message to the Muslims of the world on the occasion of the feast of ‘Id al Fitr, 1426 A.H. / 2005 A.D., at the end of Ramadan month of prayer and fasting. The message comes from Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, who says: It has become a tradition for the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue to send a message to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of the end of Ramadan. The message has usually been signed by the president of the Pontifical Council. In 1991, on account of the first Gulf War, the good-will message was signed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II. He wrote about the need for "a sincere, profound and constant dialogue between believing Catholics and believing Muslims, from which there can arise a strengthened mutual knowledge and trust". These words are surely still relevant today.”.
Archbishop Fitzgerald recalls that many Muslims around the world followed closely the last illness and death of Pope John Paul II and many Muslim leaders were present at his funeral and that the late Pope was a tireless promoter of inter-religious dialogue. “It was faith in God and confidence in humanity that impelled the late Pope to engage in dialogue. He constantly reached out to brothers and sisters of all religions with respect and a desire for collaboration, as had been encouraged by the Second Vatican Council in its Declaration Nostra aetate of which the fortieth anniversary occurs this year”.
Also Pope Benedict XVI, following the teaching of Vatican II and continuing along the path taken by John Paul II, when he addressed representatives of other religions who had attended the Mass for the beginning of his pontificate expressed appreciation for the growth of dialogue between Muslims and Christians, both at the local and international levels. “Then, making reference to the conflicts, violence and wars present in our world, the Pope emphasised that it is the duty of every one, especially those who profess to belong to a religious tradition, to work for peace, …and to engage in sincere and authentic dialogue”.
The message ends with a call to “Encouraged by these words of the Pope, it is for us to strengthen our engagement in building up good relations among people of different religions, to promote cultural dialogue and to work together for greater justice and enduring peace. Let us, as Christians and Muslims, show that we can live together in true fraternity, striving always to do the will of Merciful God who created humanity to be one family.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/10/2005; Righe 28 - Parole 405)
