Our hope in the Pope

Pope Benedict XVI’s rather controversial statements about Muslims and Islam raised concern and dismay amongst Muslims around the globe, but now we wait for a change in both tone and regard towards the Muslim world.
The arrival of Pope Francis to the Vatican earlier this month brings much hope and optimism for renewed relations with the Vatican for many around the world- and Muslims in particular. A staunch advocate for the poor and marginalized, we ride on the hopes that the new Pope will be an advocate for strong religious pluralism and authentic dialogue.

Before him, Pope Benedict XVI’s rather controversial statements about Muslims and Islam raised concern and dismay amongst Muslims around the globe, but now we wait for a change in both tone and regard towards the Muslim world. The world’s religions can perhaps now find in the Vatican a place for enriched dialogue and effective solutions for the world’s problems like gender disparities, access to education, post-war peace-building, development, domestic violence, and an end to violence in general, and in the name of any and all religions.

The cheer and happiness of the massive crowds spilling out in front of St. Peter’s Basilica showed a most vibrant scene- indicating a thirst for religiously-inspired guidance. The pulse conveyed a welcoming of God and all things God-related, as opposed to the idea that religion is absent in today’s society or that it does not belong there.

The new decade is uncovering many changes in the proverbial “seat of power.” Springs, changes, pivots, or leaps- it is all a fresh start, new ground, a new season to attain new ideas and new modes of thinking.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *