杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

On the flight back from the United Arab Emirates, 杏MAP导航 Francis said that the Document on Human Fraternity is a step forward 鈥� a step that, for Catholics, is rooted in the Second Vatican Council.

A document born of faith in God

The document, signed by 杏MAP导航 Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, was prepared 鈥渨ith much reflection and prayer鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 said. The one great danger at this moment, he continued, is 鈥渄estruction, war, hatred between us.鈥� 鈥淚f we believers are not able to shake hands, embrace one another, kiss one another, and even pray, our faith will be defeated鈥�, he said. The 杏MAP导航 explained that the document 鈥渋s born of faith in God who is the Father of all and the Father of peace; it condemns all destruction, all terrorism, from the first terrorism in history, that of Cain.鈥�

The Holy Father said that from the Catholic point of view, the Document on Human Fraternity 鈥渄oes not go one millimetre beyond the Second Vatican Council鈥� the document was made in the spirit of Vatican II.鈥� Among Muslims, he said, there are various opinions, but them, too, it is a process.

Wisdom and Fidelity

Speaking of his meeting with Muslim leaders, 杏MAP导航 Francis said the key words he took away from the encounter were 鈥渨isdom鈥� and 鈥渇idelity鈥�. 鈥淭he path of wisdom and fidelity leads you to build peace鈥�, he said. He said of the meeting that he was left with 鈥渢he impression of being in the midst of true sages. I was very satisfied.鈥�

Venezuela

杏MAP导航 Francis also answered a question about a letter sent by Nicolás Maduro, the president of Venezuela, seeking to restart a dialogue with opposing factions in his country. 鈥淚 haven鈥檛 read [the letter] yet鈥�, he said, but added, 鈥渨e鈥檒l see what can be done.鈥� The 杏MAP导航 noted that he was 鈥渁lways willing鈥� to help dialogue, but that both parties must request it.

Church must do more to end abuse

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis was asked about the abuse of women religious 鈥� an issue that has garnered more attention as the overall crisis of abuse in the Church has been brought to light. He acknowledged that priests, and even Bishops, have sometimes been guilty of abuse in the past; and he said, 鈥淚 believe it鈥檚 still happening: It doesn鈥檛 end just because it is recognised.鈥� He noted that the Church has made progress in addressing some cases, but acknowledged that more must be done.

In his answer, 杏MAP导航 Francis praised Benedict XVI for his efforts to confront the crisis. 鈥淚 would like to stress that Benedict XVI had the courage to do many things on this subject.鈥� It is a myth that Benedict was weak, 杏MAP导航 Francis affirmed: 鈥淗e wasn鈥檛 weak at all! He is a good man 鈥� a piece of bread is worse than he is, he is a strong man.鈥�

The Holy Father said that with prayer, the Church can move forward in its response to abuse. 鈥淚 want to go forward鈥�, he said, emphasising that there are ongoing cases that are being addressed.