Inter-faith group of religious leaders meets Pope Francis at Vatican – Co-founders of the nation’s first Jewish-Muslim brotherhood, Imam Marwan Gill and radio host Miguel Steuermann, have private audience with Pope Francis to strengthen interfaith relationship. In a historic feat of solidarity, Argentina’s Jewish and Muslim communities have arranged a meeting with the head of the Catholic Church. On Monday, the brotherhood sat down with The Supreme Pontiff as representatives of Argentina’s most populous religious minorities… Speaking with a tone of unity, the guests explained to His Holiness how the initiative arose from the Radio Shalom-Salam programme, a Jewish-Muslim dialogue, which they have produced every Sunday for over a year and a half, and how from there, they promoted activities that synergised groups within Argentine society more broadly… “It was a beautiful example of how we can achieve unity through diversity. Simply the image of having a Rabbi and an Imam being received by the head of the Catholic Church – especially as the world recovers from the pandemic and deals with ongoing global and regional conflicts – highlights the need for gestures of unity,” Imam Marwan Gill told the Times in an intervierw. “Leaders of different faiths must work together to promote peace, justice, and harmony in the world.”… “The Pope had a big impact on interfaith dialogue during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He left behind an important legacy on the community by constantly working to improve the relations of different faiths,” Imam Gill added. “A few years ago, he published his great work [encyclical] Fratelli tutti, which means that all are brothers and sisters. It’s an inspiration not only for Catholics, not only for Christians, but I think for any follower of any religion. It highlights the need for accepting the diversity and theological convictions of others. It highlights the need for working hand-in-hand for the betterment of our societies and for the moral standard of humanity.” –SOURCE.

Continue reading →