Pope Says Dialogue Can Help End Terrorism, War, Religious Strife

This article, published by the Catholic News Service, describes one strategy for resolving conflict around the world: what author John Thavis describes as "authentic dialogue and debate" in which religious leaders play a key role.

Specifically, the article details a 4-day pilgrimage undertaken in November 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, during which time he spoke to international diplomats as (in the pontiff's own words) "an apostle of dialogue and peace." He stressed that, in order to build "ecumenical and interreligious bridges" in places where there are a variety of cultures and religions, dialogue that is respectful, honest, and open is key. Such communication, he indicates, can bring together diverse groups such as Christians and Muslims - as long as the dialogue involves the parties who are directly involved.

As the article notes, policy can also be a key strategy, since - in the Pope's words - "true peace needs justice". The pontiff reportedly highlighted, in his speech during the 4-day trip, Turkey's constitutional protection of religious freedom. According to Thavis, he indicated that, while the majority of Turkey's people are Muslim, the country officially recognises each citizen's right to worship freely. The Pope articulated his hope that "believers, whichever religious community they belong to, will continue to benefit from these rights."

In short, this article explores the Pope's endorsement of the strategy of open debate as part of an effort to "correct the economic imbalances and political disturbances that generate tensions and conflict" (in Thavis' words). Such a strategy, according to the Pope, might facilitate the involvement of religions in addressing conflict, particularly in the context of what Thavis describes as "a time of rapid technological change."