ISESCO Calls on the New Pope to Stand Against Defamation of Religions and Religious Symbols
By Mourad Anouar
Morocco News Tribune
Oklahoma, U.S.A | Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – ISESCO – Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Congratulated Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio for being elected the head of the Catholic Church, and said he hoped the new pontiff will take a strong stand against the defamation of religions and religious symbols and all manifestations of hatred that harm human relations between the followers of religions and cultures.
The Director-General emphasized the importance of Vatican’s engagement in promoting the culture of peace and dialogue among followers of religions, cultures and civilizations and consolidate the values of tolerance and coexistence between nations and peoples, and contribute to the elimination of hotbeds of tension and unrest, which dominates international relations.
Dr. Altwaijri called the new Pope to boost the role of the Vatican in support of the Palestinian people, Muslims and Christians by taking a strong position towards the Israeli violations of international law, and the ongoing attacks on the rights of the Palestinian people, and the Judaization of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Palestine.
The Director General of ISESCO had met Balmonsenyor Miqal Ayuso, Secretary-General of the Pontifical Council for Dialogue with religions, at the headquarters of the Council in Rome on 9 January on the occasion of his working visit to the Italy, and discussed with him ways to enhance cooperation between ISESCO and the Vatican areas of common interest, particularly the activation of dialogue and coexistence between religions and promote a culture of peace, harmony and tolerance among nations and peoples of the world.