Interreligious dialogue in the strict sense is not possible, Pope Benedict has said while adding that "intercultural dialogue" was important and could lead to coexistence among different faiths. In comments that could have broad implications in a period of intense inter-religious conflict, Pope Benedict cast doubt on the possibility of interfaith dialogue but called for more discussion of the practical consequences of religious differences, The New York Times reports.
The pope's comments were from a letter he wrote to Marcello Pera, an Italian centre-right politician and scholar whose forthcoming book, "Why We Must Call Ourselves Christian," argues that Europe should stay true to its liberal, Christian roots.
In comments from the letter that appeared on Sunday in Corriere della Sera, Italy's leading daily, the pope said the book "explained with great clarity" that "an inter-religious dialogue in the strict sense of the word is not possible."
In theological terms, he added, "a true dialogue is not possible without putting one's faith in parentheses."
But Benedict added that "intercultural dialogue which deepens the cultural consequences of basic religious ideas" was important. He called for confronting "in a public forum the cultural consequences of basic religious decisions."
Vatican spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi, said the pope's comments seemed intended to draw interest for Mr Pera's book, not to cast doubt on the Vatican's many continuing inter-religious dialogues.
"He has a papacy known for religious dialogue, he went to a mosque, he's been to synagogues," Rev Lombardi said. "This means that he thinks we can meet and talk to the others and have a positive relationship."
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(Source: CATH)