POPE WORKED TO IMPROVE CATHOLIC-MUSLIM RELATIONS

Saturday, April 09, 2005
Zeki Saritoprak

Special to The Plain Dealer

For Muslims, Pope John Paul II was known for his endeavors to improve Catholic-Muslim relations. For the past several days, many Muslims around the world have been joining Catholics and others in expressing their sorrow at the pope's passing and paying tribute to him.

There is no doubt that the death of the pope is a great loss not only for Catholics but for humanity in general and for Muslims interested in interfaith dialogue in particular. John Paul was one who promoted positive relationships with Muslims as well as adherents of other religions. It would not be an exaggeration to say he was the most successful pope, who put into practice the principles of "Nostra Aetate" (1965), which says that the church looks at Muslims with esteem.

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