(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.25.2024).- Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot passed away on November 25 at the age of 72. Known for his gentle demeanor, profound faith, and intellectual brilliance, the Spanish prelate left a legacy deeply intertwined with Pope Francis’ vision of fraternity and global unity.
A Mission of Dialogue and Understanding
As prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue since 2019, Cardinal Ayuso was a leading figure in the Vatican’s efforts to foster dialogue among religions. His expertise in Islamic studies and his nuanced understanding of the Arab world made him an invaluable advisor and collaborator on papal journeys to regions where interfaith dialogue was essential.
He often accompanied Pope Francis on landmark visits, including the historic trip to Iraq in 2021, where the Pope’s presence brought hope to a nation scarred by conflict. Ayuso viewed these visits as more than diplomatic missions; they were opportunities to embody the Church’s call to fraternity.
In his words, such trips were about transforming perceptions: «They ensure the world sees beyond violence and despair, witnessing instead the resilience and joy of the people.»
Roots in Sevilla and a Path to Service
Born in Sevilla on June 17, 1952, Ayuso was shaped by the rich cultural and religious history of his Andalusian hometown, where Christian and Islamic heritage intertwined. Initially pursuing legal studies, he felt a deeper call to religious life, joining the Comboni Missionaries in 1973.
Ordained in 1980, his ministry took him to Cairo, where he served Sudanese migrants and students, and later to Sudan itself during its civil war. These experiences solidified his commitment to intercultural understanding and the plight of marginalized communities.
Academic Leadership
Ayuso’s academic journey was as remarkable as his pastoral work. He earned degrees in theology and Islamic studies, eventually becoming the president of the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) in Rome. His scholarly rigor combined with pastoral sensitivity made him an authoritative voice on interreligious matters.
A Global Witness to Unity
Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as secretary of the Dicastery in 2012, Ayuso’s career culminated with his leadership as prefect under Pope Francis. His work involved cultivating relationships with Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faith leaders, advocating for peace and mutual respect.
From facilitating dialogues in the Arabian Peninsula to participating in religious forums in Asia and Africa, Ayuso believed in the transformative power of personal encounter. His efforts were encapsulated in the document “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”, co-signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in 2019.
A Final Farewell
Ayuso’s final years were marked by health challenges that limited his travel but not his influence. Even in his absence from recent papal journeys, his vision of dialogue as a path to unity resonated in the Church’s ongoing interreligious initiatives.
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