As Ramadan has begun, Muslims are joined in their spiritual renewal with fasting and praying. For this occasion, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has released its annual message and expressed good wishes in which it encourages everyone to protect all places of worship.

“It is a time for spiritual healing and growth, of sharing with the poor, of strengthening bonds with relatives and friends,” the statement says. 

This year’s message focuses on places of worship. “For both Christians and Muslims, churches and mosques are spaces reserved for prayer, personal and communitarian alike. They are constructed and furnished in a way that favours silence, reflection and meditation.”

In its message, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue has condemned all hateful attacks against churches and mosques that occurred “recently” and labelled it “senseless violence”. 

“While appreciating the efforts done by the international community at different levels for the protection of the places of worship worldwide, it is our hope that our mutual esteem, respect and cooperation will help strengthen the bonds of sincere friendship, and enable our communities to safeguard the places of worship to assure for coming generations the fundamental freedom to profess one’s own beliefs,” the message says.

“With renewed esteem and fraternal greetings, in the name of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, we convey friendly wishes for a fruitful month of Ramadan and a joyous ‘Id al-Fitr“, the statement concluded. 

See the full message here.

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