Dialogue is the alternative to conflict

(Source: Vatican News)

Pope Francis addresses members of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue on the occasion of their Plenary Assembly, noting that interreligious dialogue is crucial in a world torn by conflict. 

Pope Francis's speech to members of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue on Monday provided him with the occasion to reiterate his appeal for dialogue, based on the acceptance of diversity and respect for the other, as the only alternative to the fragmentation and conflict we experience in the world today.

His words came in the wake of his urgent plea on Pentecost Sunday to government leaders to step back and avoid leading humanity to ruin.

Pope Francis decried the fact that "our increasingly interconnected world is not as fraternal and convivial. Far from it!"

In this context, he reminded members of the Dicastery that interreligious dialogue must be realized through action, theological exchange and spiritual experience in order to promote among all people "a true search for God."

"This is your mission: to promote with other believers, in a fraternal and convivial way, the path of seeking God; considering people of other religions not abstractly, but concretely, with a history, desires, wounds, dreams," he said.

"Only in this way can we build together a habitable world for all, in peace."