Time to Build Bridges Pope Tells Other Faiths

Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV stressed the need for dialogue and bridge building on Monday in an audience with the representatives of other faiths and other Churches that attended his inauguration on Sunday. “Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges,” the American pontiff said.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Pope expressed his appreciation for the presence of representatives from various religious traditions who share in the pursuit of God’s will, which he described as a will of love and life for all beings. He emphasized the role of these communities in contributing wisdom, compassion, and commitment to the betterment of humanity and the preservation of the planet.

The pontiff conveyed his belief that unity, free from ideological and political biases, is crucial in rejecting war and promoting peace, rejecting the arms race and championing disarmament, and opposing economic systems that impoverish people and the Earth in favor of integral development.

Pope Leo XIV specifically addressed the Cath
olic Church’s relationships with Jewish and Muslim communities. He highlighted the special relationship Christians have with Judaism due to its roots in Christianity. He reiterated the importance of theological dialogue between Christians and Jews, especially during times of conflict and misunderstanding, as a continuation of the momentum built by the conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate.

Furthermore, the Pope acknowledged the Catholic Church’s growing commitment to dialogue and fraternity with Muslims. He emphasized the mutual respect and freedom of conscience that form the foundation for building bridges between the Catholic Church and Muslim communities, recognizing Muslims as esteemed brothers and sisters who worship one God and contribute to the dialogue of fraternity.