Franciscan custos: dialogue, coexistence keys to peace in Mideast
(Vatican Radio) With unrest in several countries throughout the Mideast region, including
Egypt, Syria and recently Lebanon, which saw twin bomb attacks in a northern city
not far from the Syrian border , minority religious groups including Christians are
facing the spectre and often the reality of targeted violence against them. The custos
of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, told
Vatican Radio that religion is being abused by parties in several conflicts. “What
I see is a kind of instrumentalisation or manipulation of religions,” he said. The
Custos went on to say, “Of course there are problems, but there [is] also great peaceful
coexistence among [different religious groups].” Fr Pizzaballa also said the words
and example of Pope Francis in favor of peace and concord among people across religious
lines have been well-received. “We need to stress – following his example – peaceful
coexistence and the need of dialogue among all of us.”
Listen to Alessandro
Gisotti’s extended interview with Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM: