Continuing a tradition which he himself began during his extra-Vatican voyages, the Holy Father met this morning with representatives of the Muslim community in Cameroon. The diplomacy which is characteristic of the Vatican was more than evident in the wording of the speech he gave to the gathered dignitaries:
Our encounter is a vivid sign of the desire we share with all people of good will – in Cameroon, throughout Africa and across the globe – to seek opportunities to exchange ideas about how religion makes an essential contribution to our understanding of culture and the world, and to the peaceful coexistence of all the members of the human family.
Focusing on the common tasks which Christians and Muslims must face in the immediate future, the Holy Father expressed his belief that we must strive to unveil the vast potential of human reason, which is itself God’s gift and which is elevated by revelation and faith. Belief in the one God, far from stunting our capacity to understand ourselves and the world, broadens it. Far from setting us against the world, it commits us to it. We are called to help others see the subtle traces and mysterious presence of God in the world which he has marvellously created and continually sustains with his ineffable and all-embracing love.
Seeking out the common threads which we must all cling to and work from is the key to any negotiations, be they around the bargaining table or involving the most delicate of international relations.
These words, which seem to roll off the tongue, are presented in the context of some very auspicious moments, but the hard work of bringing these dreams to reality is the challenge which the Pontiff leaves behind, entrusting to the local Church and to the members of the Muslim community in Cameroon, the task of working out the details. All efforts toward peace and reconciliation are to be lauded, and a gesture of support such as this can only serve to help solidify the working relationship which is so essential if such dreams as peace, concord and understanding are to come about.
No comments:
Post a Comment