Pope Francis: interreligious dialogue does not entail setting aside evangelization

Catholic World News - May 20, 2014

In a message marking the 50th anniversary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Pope Francis said that evangelization and dialogue are distinct but compatible activities.

The pontifical council was called Secretariat for Non-Christians from 1964 until 1988.

"Such a dialogue does not imply relativizing the Christian faith, or setting aside the yearning, which dwells in the heart of every disciple, to announce to all the joy of the encounter with Christ," the Pope said.

Pope Francis compared the Church's willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue to Christ's journey on the road to Emmaus. "Such a willingness to walk together is all the more necessary in our time."

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• Messaggio Del Santo Padre Francesco Per Il 50° Anniversario Di Fondazione Dell'organismo Per Il Dialogo Con Le Religioni (Holy See Press Office)