Pope Commends Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Stresses Its Importance for Peace

May 17, 2004

Source: Zenit

h ttp://w ww.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=53778

On May 17, 2004 Zenit reported, "John Paul II stressed the importance of interreligious dialogue in the building of peace, as he met the participants of the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The dicastery, which is marking its 40th anniversary, has carried out its 'ecclesial service' with 'diligent determination,' the Pope said Saturday. The importance of the dicastery's work has been 'perceived by the not few organizations of other religions, which have had in the past and continue to have profitable contacts with your pontifical council and with you share various dialogue initiatives,' he told the participants of the plenary assembly at an audience. The Holy Father encouraged them to 'intensify this fruitful cooperation, directing your attention to topics of common interest.' 'Interreligious dialogue is also important to propose a firm base of peace and to make the name of the only God ever more, as it already is, a name of peace, an imperative of peace,' the Pope said, recalling the content of his apostolic letter 'Novo Millennio Ineunte.'"