The impact of Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq continues to receive positive echoes from around the Muslim world.
On March 6th the Pope met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, widely considered one of the highest authorities of Shia Muslim thought.
Muslims in the United States see the meeting as the fulfillment of Pope Francis’ mission to engage in dialogue with the entirety of the two main branches of the Muslim world.
SAYYID M. B. KASHMIRI
Vice Chairman, I.M.A.M
“This visit to the Shia religious authority, I think it completes the activities and the brotherhood working and actions of His Holiness, which almost stems from both sides, Sunni and Shia. They see this as completing the picture of his goal.”
Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Kashmiri, is the North American point of reference for Shia Muslims.
He says the meeting between al-Sistani and Pope Francis will have positive consequences, both for Muslims and Christians, in many countries.
Now the Pope is back in Rome, the task of bridgebuilding falls to individuals of different faiths working for peace.
SAYYID M. B. KASHMIRI
Vice Chairman, I.M.A.M
“If we miss this opportunity, I have a big doubt to have it again in near future.”
“We have to work strongly, precisely, and close to each other to bring more peace, more tolerance, and stand in front of any unfairness.”
The world may be surprised to discover that, despite its recent history of conflict and suffering, Iraq can still be a model for dialogue and peace.
Justin McLellan
