From The Seattle Times
Now as pope, Francis Bergoglio has made one of his earliest requests: for the Catholic Church to intensify dialogue with Islam. It’s a sincere gesture and one I believe Muslims are eager to embrace.
By Aziz Junejo
Special to The Seattle Times
Muslims around the world have congratulated Catholics on the election of Pope Francis Bergoglio — many in a spirit of hope that a new Christian dialogue with Islam could start a much needed exchange of ideas.
Today, questions about Islam and its relationship with Christianity still rate high in the public consciousness. A fresh initiative for peace and understanding would certainly find a captive audience.
Back in 2006, then-Cardinal Bergoglio broke protocol by distancing himself from remarks by Pope Benedict XVI that were insulting to Islam and Muhammad and deeply hurtful to Muslims worldwide.
Now as pope, Francis Bergoglio has made one of his earliest requests: for the Catholic Church to intensify dialogue with Islam. It’s a sincere gesture and one I believe Muslims are eager to embrace.
There is much in a name, and to Muslim ears the new pope’s choice of Francis recalls the 13th century St. Francis of Assisi, who broke protocol during wartime to initiate one of the first Islamic-Christian dialogues.
In 1219, when the Fifth Crusade was attacking the walled Egyptian city of Damietta, St. Francis walked across enemy lines unarmed to meet Sultan Malik al-Kamil of Egypt.
The Muslim sultan was known for his compassion toward Egypt’s Christian minority and this courageous act by St. Francis allowed him the opportunity to discuss peace, the war and faith.
The sultan agreed to receive St. Francis due to Francis’ peaceful approach at a time of war. They had an engaging conversation and he eventually left unharmed, safely returning to his camp.
