POPE CALLS FOR RESPECT OF BOTH CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM

Pope Francis reached out to Muslims on Sunday to mark the
end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and called on
them and Christians to promote mutual respect.
“I want to send a hello to Muslims around the world, our
brothers, who a short time ago celebrated the conclusion of
the month of Ramadan,” the pontiff said in front of
thousands of the faithful gathered for his Angelus blessing in
St Peter’s Square.
“I hope that Christians and Muslims engage to promote
mutual respect, especially through the education of new
generations,” he said.
It was the pope’s second message to Muslim communities
recently.
On August 2, Francis sent a text “as an expression of esteem
and friendship to all Muslims, especially their religious
leaders”.
In his text, he also called on both religions to “avoid
unjustified or defamatory criticism” of each other.
The pontiff on Sunday also addressed Catholics, exhorting
them to “love of God”, who has “a name, and a face; he is
called Jesus Christ”, he said departing from his prepared
script.
“That is the love which gives value and beauty to everything:
the family, work, study, friendship, the arts and every human
activity,” he said to the cheers of the faithful.
Just before taking leave of the crowd, Francis gave his now
traditional farewell of “good Sunday and a good appetite”
before adding a “goodbye” as if he wanted to linger a little
longer.