ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (CNS) — The sun had set long before Pope Francis arrived in Abu Dhabi Feb. 3, but Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince, and Egyptian Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar, still went to the airport to welcome him. It had been a rare rainy day […]
Interreligious Dialogue
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Why Pope Francis is traveling to ‘the heartland of the Muslim world’
Today the only Christians in the Arabian Peninsula are migrants, and the pope’s visit is a cause of great joy for them.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Preview: Francis makes first-ever papal visit to Arabian Peninsula
Pope Francis will visit Abu Dhabi to attend an international interfaith meeting on “Human Fraternity,” organized by Muslim leaders, and will celebrate Mass for migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
Panama mosque offers free water to World Youth Day pilgrims
While hundreds of vendors sold water to the thirsty, the Muslim community at the oldest mosque in Panama City gave it away for free near a banner that said, “Welcome Pilgrim Friends.”
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Rabbi Skorka: What my friendship with Pope Francis taught me about interfaith dialogue
In preparation for the gathering in Abu Dhabi, I find myself asking why my conversations with the future Pope Francis so powerfully affected both of us.
Posted inFaith, Interviews
Lessons from John Allen Chau (and Francis Xavier) for Catholic missions today
How should Christians interpret and implement the Gospel mandate to bring the good news to all peoples and nations?
Posted inLast Take, Politics & Society
Three ways Catholics can respond to anti-Jewish violence
First, we need to address the very image of God we present in our worship.
Posted inArts & Culture, Books
Review: An accurate look at Muslim beliefs
Two timely texts can help elevate our thinking and improve the ways we relate to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Father Jacques Hamel, Europe’s first 21st-century martyr
The scene of the Rev. Jacques Hamel’s martyrdom is striking because the town is so ordinary and peaceful. It is hard to believe that such a brutal attack could take place here.
Posted inFeatures, Politics & Society
Some of Europe’s top tourist destinations are homes to anti-Semitic imagery. What should be done?
Darker layering shapes the tourist experience in ways that are not always apparent or transparent.