VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The collaboration of Christians and Muslims to promote justice and peace is possible and therefore necessary, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope made these remarks today, during the five-yearly visit of the bishops of Mali.
Of Mali's 11.5 million people, some 90% are Muslim and only 2% are Catholic.
The Holy Father expressed his "satisfaction with the fact that Catholic faithful in Mali maintain cordial relations with their Muslim compatriots."
He added: "It is vital that due attention is paid to deepening your knowledge of Muslims to favor friendship and fruitful collaboration between Christians and Muslims.
"It is right that the identity of each community should be able to express itself visibly in reciprocal respect, recognizing the religious diversity of the national community and favoring a serene coexistence, at every level of society."
"Then it will be possible to walk together," Benedict XVI continued, "in a common effort for justice, unity and peace."
Code: ZE07051802
Date: 2007-05-18