Despite the decision by Al Azhar University to break off talks with
the Holy See, the president of the Pontifical Council for
Inter-Religious Dialogue plans to pursue all opportunities for dialogue
with Islam.
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran says that he hopes that talks with Al Azhar
can be revived quickly, adding that his desk calendar still calls for a
meeting with the Egyptian Islamic leaders in February.
The French-born cardinal underlined the Vatican’s insistence that the
Muslim leaders had misinterpreted Pope Benedict’s message to diplomatic
leaders, perhaps because of an improper translation provided by the Al
Jazeera television network.
“I think a careful reading of the words of
Benedict XVI’s message for World Day of Peace 2011, and his speech to
the diplomatic corps on January 10, would help dispel the
misunderstandings,” Cardinal Tauran said.”
Cardinal Tauran—who has extensive background in diplomacy, having
previously served as the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with
States—denied that he is being overly optimistic in thinking that talks
can resume.
“I would say that I am a realist,” he said.
He hinted that
Vatican officials are already pursuing informal discussions with Al
Azhar, hoping to remove any misunderstandings.
Cardinal Tauran accentuated the need for inter-religious dialogue today,
saying: “In a dangerous world so full of walls of separation, physical
or moral, I think it is more than ever necessary that religions, despite
their differences, together promote love and peace.”