On November 20, during the XII Colloquium between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and Iran’s “Centre for Interreligious & Intercultural Dialogue,” Pope Francis issued a heartfelt appeal to believers worldwide.
He urged them to pray and work tirelessly for dialogue, reconciliation, and peace amid escalating global tensions, rising hostility, and the looming threat of nuclear conflict.
Pope Francis praised the theme of this year’s Colloquium, “The Education of Young People, Particularly in the Family: A Challenge for Christians and Muslims.”
He emphasized the transformative power of education in fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding. The Pope lauded the enduring collaboration between the Dicastery and the Iranian Center as a shining example of how interfaith initiatives can act as beacons of peace in an increasingly fractured world.
Reflecting on the importance of the family, the Pope called it the “primordial place of education,” highlighting its foundational role in shaping future generations.
He underlined the influence of grandparents and the elderly in passing down values, describing the family as a vital cornerstone for fostering harmony, respect, and understanding within society.
The Pope also addressed the complex dynamics of interreligious marriages, calling them a “privileged place for interreligious dialogue.”
He urged states, schools, religious communities, and institutions to support families in fulfilling their critical educational mission.
Such support, he noted, is essential for families to instill respect for diversity while upholding shared values.
Expressing his closeness to the Catholic Church in Iran, Pope Francis reaffirmed his solidarity with its faithful, a “little flock” he holds dear to his heart. He highlighted their contributions to Iranian society and firmly rejected all forms of discrimination.
As a gesture of support, the Pope recently elevated Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu of Tehran-Ispahan to the College of Cardinals, a move he described as a tribute to the Church in Iran and its enduring witness to faith and service.
Pope Francis stressed the importance of educating younger generations to uphold the principles of freedom of conscience and religion, which he described as cornerstones of human dignity and fundamental rights.
He called on the global community to instill in young people a commitment to respecting every individual and fostering solidarity across diverse communities.
Concluding his address, Pope Francis outlined the key principles for meaningful interreligious dialogue: openness, sincerity, and mutual respect.
He encouraged participants to transcend familiar boundaries, engage with others in a spirit of humility, and work toward the greater good of the human family.
The Colloquium, set against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized world, serves as a vital reminder of the power of education and dialogue in building bridges and nurturing peace.
Inputs from Vatican News
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