Catholicism and Islam: Planting the seeds of Dialogue

Pope

Pope: Qur'an a precious book

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:00:43

Pope Benedict XVI

Spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has paid reverence to the holy book of Qur'an and termed it as precious.

Issues discussed about faith and reason in Christianity and Islam were very important and need consideration, said the Pope in a meeting with Mahdi Mostafavi, the head of Iran's high-ranking visiting delegation to the Vatican.

Stressing the importance of faith and reason in today's world, he said no effort should be spared in this regard.

For his part, head of Iran's Islamic Culture and Relations Organization Mahdi Mostafavi responded that there is an overwhelming need for faith and reason now compared to the past.

Mostafavi also voiced Tehran's readiness to promote cultural and religious cooperation between Iran and the Vatican and offered the Holy See a copy of the Qur'an.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, both sides said they had drawn similar conclusions on several issues including 'the non-violent essence of faith'.

"Neither reason nor faith should be used by violence; unfortunately, both of them have been sometimes misused to perpetrate violence," the statement read.

The two sides also conceded that religions should be interpreted according to a 'holistic view' and not by selective interpretations of texts taken from their holy books.

Tehran has agreed to host the next round of Iran-Vatican talks in 2010.

My opinion:  I think the Pope has proven that he had no bad intentions when he made his past comments.  I think it actually may have been a blessing in disguise.  Since that time, it has begun a dialogue of goodwill and respect between the heads of the respective religions.  Also, I am happy to say that such cooperation will anger the war-mongers.  : )