Vatican Pledges to Further Relationship with Muslims

October 14, 2005

Source: The Mercury News

Wire Service: AP

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/12901796.htm

On October 14, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "The Vatican sent a message to Muslims on Friday for the end of Ramadan, pledging to keep up momentum for closer relations begun by the late Pope John Paul II and to work for 'greater justice and enduring peace.' The traditional message, signed by the head of the office for interreligious relations, Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, said 'it was faith in God and confidence in humanity that impelled the late pope to engage in dialogue.' During a visit to Syria in 2001, John Paul became the first pope to visit a mosque. The message said Pope Benedict XVI is continuing on the same path and that '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.'"