If you want friendship, you have to start with dialogue.
Before his Wednesday General Audience this morning, Pope Francis underscored this to participants of the meeting with the «Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies» in Amman, Jordan, organized by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.
Francis began his visit by saying what fond memories he has of visit to Jordan, and applauded the group’s efforts to advance interreligious dialogue.
«The work you do is a work of construction,» the Pope said, lamenting, «We live in a time when we have become accustomed to destruction that makes war.»
In order to build and construct, the Pope urged, there must be dialogue and approaching one another.
«And dialogue is coming out of one’s self, with words, and listening to the words of the other. The two words come together, the two thoughts meet. It is the first step of a journey.»
So Simple Children Can Do It
The Pontiff went on to explain that once there’s dialogue, hearts meet, hands are shaken and friendship follows.
«Word, heart, hands. It is simple! A child can do it … Why can’t we?»
The Pope reminded the participants, «We all have a common Father, we are brothers,» and concluded, thanking them for their presence and asking them to pray for him.
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Full Translation:
On ZENIT’s Web page: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-to-royal-institute-for-interfaith-studies/
