French Catholic Leaders Call for Dialogue Amid Headscarf Controversy

France has experienced "another episode of tensions around the headscarves worn by Muslim women. It would be worth knowing what the women who choose to wear a headscarf have in mind, rather than attributing intentions to them".

This is how Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, President of the Conference of Bishops, expressed himself during the closing speech of the plenary assembly of Catholic bishops in Lourdes.

According to him, the difference is great between a veil that hides the face in whole or in part and a headscarf that frames it.

Furthermore, the Bishop of Reims estimated: "Many of our fellow citizens of North African or sub-Saharan origin have some reasons not to fully trust our French brotherhood".

Ultimately, Eric de Moulins-Beaufort wished that there be more meetings between Muslim and Christian families, in order to promote living together.