ASIA/PAKISTAN - Archbishop Arshad: "Churches and mosques should be centers of compassion and peace"

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - During Lent and the holy month of Ramadan, which Christians and Muslims are observing simultaneously this year, "churches and mosques should be centers of compassion, peace, and love." This appeal was made by Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Rawalpindi-Islamabad to the Pakistani Christian community in a message extending warm greetings to the Muslim community at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
"The year 2026," the archbishop continued, "marks a wonderful and rare spiritual moment, as the Christian season of Lent and the month of Ramadan begin at the same time. This convergence is not merely a coincidence, but a divine invitation to the faithful of both religions to embark on a shared spiritual journey." "In the Christian tradition," the text states, "Lent is a holy time of prayer, fasting, and charity, offering believers an opportunity for repentance, spiritual renewal, and deeper communion with God. Similarly, for Muslims, Ramadan is a month of fasting, night prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, and generosity through almsgiving.” The archbishop notes that both holy seasons “invite purification of the heart, self-discipline, and helping those in need. In a world often marked by division, misunderstanding, and conflict, these shared spiritual practices are a powerful testament to the fact that faith is not a source of division but rather a means of mercy, solidarity, and unity.” “When a Christian fasts and a Muslim fasts; when a Christian bows in prayer and a Muslim prostrates in prayer; when both dedicate themselves to feeding the hungry and supporting the suffering, they jointly proclaim that religion is synonymous with serving humanity and promoting peace,” Archbishop Arshad wrote. “Fasting teaches patience, humility, and a sense of responsibility, while prayer unites humanity with the Creator of all; charity puts faith into action and builds bridges of hope, love, and peace.” “In our beloved Pakistan,” Archbishop Arshad continued, “where people of different faiths live together and share the dream of a better future, this offers a unique opportunity to further strengthen interreligious harmony.” The message calls on people of all faiths and communities to visit one another, exchange greetings, and work together for the most vulnerable members of society. Archbishop Joseph Arshad invites followers of both religions to “offer prayers for peace during this special time.” “We hope,” he concludes, “that through prayer, fasting, and charity, we may all become instruments of God’s love and mercy,” and that “humanity may unite as one family under the protection of Almighty God, so that we may all become ambassadors of fraternity, peace, and harmony.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 19/2/2026)

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