Series: Dialogue The Path to Peace

Interreligious dialogue is one of the most important yet most complicated works that the Church has been carrying out since Vatican II. It requires utmost sensitivity to ensure that the sensibilities of people of other faiths are not trampled upon or misunderstood. Through his words and actions, Pope Francis has proposed that dialogue need not be too academic but should be rooted in friendship in order to succeed.

Right from its inception, the history of mankind became familiar with conflicts, wars, and massacres. History also shows that religions played a huge part in these conflicts. Seen from this angle, it does not paint the story of dialogue between civilizations with a rosy background. Nevertheless, dialogue between civilizations and religions is not rendered less desirable or even less fruitful. Religion can actually (and must be used) not merely as a bridge for compromise, but as an essential factor that can lay the foundations and instill the noble values that will lead civilizations to the path of dialogue and eventually, peace.