Catholic-Muslim relations Archives

Living the beatitudes can change the world, pope says in Iraq

Mar 6, 2021

Pope Francis told Iraqi Christians that when they suffer discrimination, persecution or war, the Eight Beatitudes are addressed to them.

By Cindy Wooden

Iraqi minister declares national day in honor of Pope, al-Sistani meeting

Mar 6, 2021

On Saturday Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi announced a day of tolerance and coexistence in honor of Pope Francis’s historic meeting with top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani earlier that morning.

By Elise Ann Allen

In Iraq, Pope can deepen ties with Church’s natural Islamic partners

Mar 4, 2021

Pope Francis’s visit to Iraq could help water a fertile ground for Catholic-Shi’a Islam dialogue.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Intense preparation paves way for pontiff to meet ayatollah

Mar 3, 2021

In Iraq’s holiest city, a pontiff will meet a revered ayatollah and make history with a message of coexistence in a place plagued by bitter divisions.

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra and Samya Kullab

Iraq trip is opportunity for pope to build rapport with Shiite Muslims

Feb 21, 2021

As Pope Francis continues his efforts to encourage and personally engage in interreligious dialogue, his planned March trip to Iraq will be an opportunity to extend a hand to the Shiite Muslim community.

By Cindy Wooden

Iraqi official says top Shi’a cleric won’t sign fraternity doc with pope

Feb 19, 2021

Despite widespread speculation that Pope Francis and top Shi’a cleric Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani will sign a document on human fraternity during their meeting in Iraq next month, an Iraqi state official has said the rumors are false.

By Elise Ann Allen

Expert sees changing religious landscape in the Middle East

Feb 18, 2021

A Jordan native and expert on Islamic affairs has said the changing faith dynamics of the Middle East has provided an opportunity to reflect on the underlying causes.

By Elise Ann Allen

Iraqi priest hopes papal visit will heal hearts in his troubled nation

Feb 5, 2021

One Iraqi priest has voiced hope that if Pope Francis’s scheduled visit to Iraq next month takes place as expected, the trip would encourage the country’s persecuted Christian minority and help restore trust with the Muslim community.

By Elise Ann Allen