Pope Francis: dialogue with Muslims should be based on common human values

VATICAN CITY, Jan 24 (KUNA) -- Pope Francis said Saturday dialogue with Muslims should be based on common human values, accepting the others and the true understanding of Islam.
Dialogue should be based on bridging the gaps, Pope Francis said in a meeting organized by the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, and cited progress of dialogue among faiths over the past years despite difficulties facing it.
He said dialogue between Islam and Christianity was progressing because the two sides felt there was a strong sense of responsibility, "which required detailed studies ... as improvisation might have consequences and even cause confusion." The Pope hoped the Pontifical Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies, which is marking its 50th anniversary, could contribute towards constructive relations between Islam and Christianity. (end) mn.bs