The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has sent greetings to Muslims at the end of Ramadan and called for greater understanding between Christians and Muslims.
Speaking to tens of thousands of people gathered on August 11 outside the Vatican in St. Peter's Square, the pope referred to Muslims as "our brothers," and congratulated them on the end of the Islamic holy month.
He went on to urge Christians and Muslims to promote respect for one another, "particularly through the education of new generations."
His comments follow a special Vatican message issued on August 8 at the end of Ramadan.
In past years, a special council for interreligious dialogue had composed the message for the pope; this year, the newly elected Pope Francis wrote the Ramadan message himself.
Speaking to tens of thousands of people gathered on August 11 outside the Vatican in St. Peter's Square, the pope referred to Muslims as "our brothers," and congratulated them on the end of the Islamic holy month.
He went on to urge Christians and Muslims to promote respect for one another, "particularly through the education of new generations."
His comments follow a special Vatican message issued on August 8 at the end of Ramadan.
In past years, a special council for interreligious dialogue had composed the message for the pope; this year, the newly elected Pope Francis wrote the Ramadan message himself.