"At the heart of everything is the need of an adequate formation so that, steadfast in ones own identity, we can grow in mutual knowledge." Vatican City, January 26, 2015 (Zenit.org) | 234 hits

Here is the translation of the Holy Father's address to members of the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Vatican on Saturday.

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Dear Cardinals,

Dear Brother Bishops and Priests,

Brothers and sisters,

I receive you with pleasure at the conclusion of the conference organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening in Rome of the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic studies. I thank Cardinal Grocholewski for his words addressed in everyone's name, and Cardinal Tauran for his presence.

In the last few years, despite some misunderstandings and difficulties, steps forward in interreligious dialogue have been made, as well as with the faithful of Islam. For this reason the exercise of listening is essential. That is not only a necessary condition in a process of mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence, but also a pedagogical duty in order to acknowledge the values of others, appreciate the concerns underlying their demands and shed light on shared beliefs" (Evangelii gaudium, 253). At the heart of everything is the need of an adequate formation so that, steadfast in ones own identity, we can grow in mutual knowledge.

We must be careful to not fall into a facile syncretism that, in the end, is empty and a harbinger of totalitarianism without values (ibid., 251; 253). A convenient, accommodating approach, that says yes to everything in order to avoid problems (ibid., 251); it would end up becominga way of deceiving others and denying them the good which we have been given to share generously with others. This invites us, in the first place, to return to the foundations.

When we draw near to a person who professes their religion with conviction, their witness and their thought challenge us and brings us to ask ourselves on our own spirituality. Therefore, in the beginning of dialogue there is the encounter. From there the first knowledge of the other is generated. If, in fact, it is assumed that we all belong to human nature, prejudices and falsehoods can be overcome and an understanding of the other according to a new perspective can begin.

See original here:
Pope's Audience with Members of the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies