“While dialogue may not be able to prevent all atrocities, solidarity in the wake of violence can help to heal communities in the aftermath of trauma”
“Religions have nothing to do” with violence, discrimination and hatred, stress Francis and good friend Ahmad Al-Tayyeb
In OSCE meeting, Vatican permanent representative laments “profound ramifications” of coronavirus lockdown measures on religious freedom
“I now feel an even greater urge to be a witness of peace, brotherhood and forgiveness”, Father Pierluigi Maccalli says after surviving imprisonment by Islamist radicals
Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran leaders march for peace as memorials declare “Vienna is stronger than hate” and “Our religion is love”
“It is our obligation as faith leaders to model responses that are dignified, humane and merciful, rather than vengeful”, say members of Religions for Peace World Council
Quoting Pope Francis, President of Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue insists fundamentalism “not due to religion, but to misinterpretations of religious texts”
“It is legitimate for a State… to impose measures that are for the benefit of all”, claims Archbishop of Poitiers Pascal Wintzer
In a joint declaration, Islamic leaders decry instrumentalisation of religion “for political, diplomatic or commercial ends”, criticise “unjustified” Muslim calls to boycott French products
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich warns on publication of blasphemous cartoons: “There cannot be absolute freedom… freedom of expression must take into account others’ views”
Livestreaming catechesis once again, Francis calls on Catholics to “be very attentive to the prescriptions of the authorities to defend ourselves against this pandemic”
“Numb with horror”, members of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue “reject utterly any misuse of religion to justify violence.”
In message of condolence, Francis implores “that violence and hatred cease and that peaceful coexistence in society be promoted”
German Bishops’ chair Georg Bätzing: “Terror in the name of religion perverts the name of God… We need religions to deliver what they promise: to bring about peace”
The Archbishop of Vienna calls citizens to “solidarity, community and respect” after wave of shootings Monday night killed at least 3 and injured 15
Nice diocese holds moving rite of reparation, Mass for All Saints in remembrance of three who perished in October 29 tragedy
French Bishops urge fix for “cancerous tumour” of extremism, insist that “despite the pain, Catholics refuse to give in to fear”
In wake of Nice attack, the Catholic group calls on Christians and Muslims “to dissociate religion from all forms of violence perpetrated in the name of God”
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin urges EU Church “not to remain on the sidelines” in social reconstruction post-COVID-19
The terrorist attacks in France aren’t just about “religion” – they also involve a whole series of intricate historical, geopolitical and economic factors
Pope mourns aggression “that sowed death in a place of prayer and consolation”: “I pray for the victims, for their families and for the beloved French people, that they may respond to evil with good”
“It’s very important to us to save our heritage and keep it safe for future generations”, says Chaldean prelate Najeeb Michaeel of Mosul
“Resilience for the sake of life! This motto accompanied and encouraged me day after day and gave me the strength to carry on”, reveals Father Pierluigi Maccalli
Vatican official gives thanks for release of Fr. Pierluigi Maccalli, kidnapped two years ago by jihadist insurgents: “Missionaries are always close to the people; they do not flee even during difficult situations and give their lives for the Gospel”
Along with their swastikas borrowed from Nazi Germany, white supremacists marching in the U.S. and elsewhere have in recent years displayed crosses embellished with the Latin phrase “Deus Vult” – “God wills it.”
The Holy See has warned that law enforcement and security measures alone are not enough to combat radicalisation and terrorism.
At his Wednesday General Audience today, Pope Francis denounced the “partisan interests” and the “devotees of Pontius Pilate” derailing the post-COVID-19 social recovery.
At the Angelus Sunday, Pope Francis warned that “the Lord will hold us to account for all of the migrants who have fallen on their journey of Hope”, as “victims of the throwaway culture”.