The 64-page publication, edited by Lucio Coco, brings together some 60 texts of the Pope’s teaching on the topic of dialogue.
Its release coincides with the Pontiff’s pilgrimage to Assisi on Oct. 27, the 25th anniversary of the 1996 meeting with the world’s religious leaders, held in Assisi and convoked by Pope John Paul II.
In an address on Oct. 21, 2007, Benedict XVI said «we are all called to work for peace and to a concrete commitment to promote reconciliation between peoples.»
«This is the authentic ‘spirit of Assisi,’ which is opposed to every form of violence and the abuse of religion as a pretext for violence,” he added.
In fact, the Holy Father continued, «in the face of a world lacerated by conflicts, where at times violence is justified in the name of God, it is important to reaffirm that religions can never be vehicles of hatred; never, invoking the name of God, can evil and violence be justified.”
The Pontiff said «religions can and must offer precious resources to build a peaceful humanity, because they speak of peace to the heart of man.»
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On the Net:
«Pensieri sul Dialogo Interreligioso» (available only in Italian): www.itacalibri.it/it/catalogo/benedetto-xvi/pensieri-sul-dialogo-interreligioso.html?IDFolder=144&IDOggetto=39551&LN=IT
