Francis met the president of the Diyanet, Turkey's highest religious authority. He highlights the importance of interreligious dialogue to promote mutual respect and friendship, noting that "entire communities, especially - though not exclusively - Christians and Yazidis, have suffered and continue to suffer barbaric violence simply because of their ethnic and religious identity." In light of this, he expressed his "appreciation for everything that the Turkish people" is "doing to help the hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing" Syria and Iraq.

Ankara (AsiaNews) - Religious leaders "are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights" by sending their community "a clear message" that "demonstrates that mutual respect and friendship are possible, notwithstanding differences. In view of the "tragic" situation in the Middle East, "Such friendship, as well as being valuable in itself, becomes all the more meaningful and important in a time of crises such as our own".

After leaving the Presidential palace, Pope Francis' second meeting in Turkey took him to the Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı or Presidency of Religious Affairs, Turkey's highest Islamic (Sunni) body responsible to the prime minister, where he was greeted by the Dinayet's president Mehmet Gormez (pictured). Here, the Holy Father focused on the responsibilities of religious leaders to make concrete contribution to interfaith dialogue and mutual respect and friendship.

"Good relations and dialogue between religious leaders have, in fact, acquired great importance," the pontiff said. "They represent a clear message addressed to their respective communities which demonstrates that mutual respect and friendship are possible, notwithstanding differences. Such friendship, as well as being valuable in itself, becomes all the more meaningful and important in a time of crises such as our own, crises which in some parts of the world are disastrous for entire peoples."

"Especially tragic is the situation in the Middle East, above all in Iraq and Syria. Everyone suffers the consequences of these conflicts, and the humanitarian situation is unbearable. I think of so many children, the sufferings of so many mothers, of the elderly, of those displaced and of all refugees, subject to every form of violence. Particular concern arises from the fact that, owing mainly to an extremist and fundamentalist group, entire communities, especially - though not exclusively - Christians and Yazidis, have suffered and continue to suffer barbaric violence simply because of their ethnic and religious identity. They have been forcibly evicted from their homes, having to leave behind everything to save their lives and preserve their faith. This violence has also brought damage to sacred buildings, monuments, religious symbols and cultural patrimony, as if trying to erase every trace, every memory of the other."

"As religious leaders, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights. Human life, a gift of God the Creator, possesses a sacred character. As such, any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation because the Omnipotent is the God of life and peace. The world expects those who claim to adore God to be men and women of peace who are capable of living as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic, religious, cultural or ideological differences."

"As well as denouncing such violations, we must also work together to find adequate solutions. This requires the cooperation of all: governments, political and religious leaders, representatives of civil society, and all men and women of goodwill. In a unique way, religious leaders can offer a vital contribution by expressing the values of their respective traditions. We, Muslims and Christians, are the bearers of spiritual treasures of inestimable worth. Among these we recognize some shared elements, though lived according to the traditions of each, such as the adoration of the All-Merciful God, reference to the Patriarch Abraham, prayer, almsgiving, fasting... elements which, when lived sincerely, can transform life and provide a sure foundation for dignity and fraternity. Recognizing and developing our common spiritual heritage - through interreligious dialogue - helps us to promote and to uphold moral values, peace and freedom in society (cf. John Paul II, Address to the Catholic Community in Ankara, 29 November 1979).

"The shared recognition of the sanctity of each human life is the basis of joint initiatives of solidarity, compassion, and effective help directed to those who suffer most. In this regard, I wish to express my appreciation for everything that the Turkish people, Muslims and Christians alike, are doing to help the hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing their countries due to conflicts. This is a clear example of how we can work together to serve others, an example to be encouraged and maintained."

"I wish also to express my satisfaction at the good relations which exist between the Diyanet and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. It is my earnest desire that these relations will continue and be strengthened for the good of all, so that every initiative which promotes authentic dialogue will offer a sign of hope to a world which so deeply needs peace, security and prosperity.

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