VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI addresses members of Muslim communities: “the relations of trust which have developed between Christians and Muslims over several years, will not only continue, but will develop further in a spirit of sincere and respectful dialogue, based on ever more authentic reciprocal knowledge which, with joy, recognises the religious values that we have in common and, with loyalty, respects the differences.”

Castel Gandolfo (Agenzia Fides) - This morning at his Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict XVI received envoys of Muslim countries accredited to the Holy See and leading members of the Muslim communities in Italy. The visitors were presented to the Pope by Cardinal Paul Poupard president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. “I am pleased to welcome you to this gathering that I wanted to arrange in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the Holy See and Muslim communities throughout the world” the Pope began, recalling the circumstances which led to the meeting and he said “I should like to reiterate today all the esteem and the profound respect that I have for Muslim believers, calling to mind the words of the Second Vatican Council which for the Catholic Church are the Magna Carta of Muslim-Christian dialogue… Placing myself firmly within this perspective, I have had occasion, since the very beginning of my pontificate, to express my wish to continue establishing bridges of friendship with the adherents of all religions, showing particular appreciation for the growth of dialogue between Muslims and Christians … In a world marked by relativism and too often excluding the transcendence and universality of reason, we are in great need of an authentic dialogue between religions and between cultures, capable of assisting us, in a spirit of fruitful co-operation, to overcome all the tensions together. Continuing, then, the work undertaken by my predecessor, Pope John Paul II, I sincerely pray that the relations of trust which have developed between Christians and Muslims over several years, will not only continue, but will develop further in a spirit of sincere and respectful dialogue, based on ever more authentic reciprocal knowledge which, with joy, recognises the religious values that we have in common and, with loyalty, respects the differences.”
The Holy Father then stressed the necessity of dialogue between religions and between cultures “for building together this world of peace and fraternity ardently desired by all people of good will”, underlining that to achieve this goal the Christians and Muslims must work together “in order to guard against all forms of intolerance and to oppose all manifestations of violence”. With regard to the lessons of the past which can help “find paths for reconciliation” the Pope mentioned Pope John Paul II’s memorable speech to young people at Casablanca in Morocco, "respect and dialogue require reciprocity in all spheres, especially in that which concerns basic freedoms, more particularly religious freedom. They favour peace and agreement between peoples"”.
In the current world situation, the Pope concluded “it is imperative that Christians and Muslims engage with one another in order to address the numerous challenges that present themselves to humanity especially those concerning the defence and promotion of the dignity of the human person and of the rights ensuing from that dignity” and he ended “Dear friends, I pray with my whole heart that the merciful God will guide our steps along the paths of an ever more authentic mutual understanding”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 25/9/2006 - Righe 35, parole 492)