Vatican Extends Ramadan Wishes to Muslims, Calls for Unity Amid Pandemic

In addition to the general theme, the PCID also expresses its wishes that Christians and Muslims, "united in a spirit of fraternity, continue their witness of solidarity with humanity so severely affected" by covid-19. "The month of Ramadan is so central to your religion that it is particularly dear to you at the personal, family and social level," writes the PCID. It specifies that Muslim fasting is a time of spiritual healing and growth, of sharing with the poor, of strengthening ties with loved ones and friends, reports Vatican News, which emphasizes, citing the papal message, that Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are "a special occasion to promote fraternity between Christians and Muslims".

Regarding the central theme of this year’s message, the PCID indicates that "places of worship hold an important place in Christianity and in Islam, but also in other religions. They are built and decorated in a way that encourages silence, reflection and meditation. They also define a time when each person must return to the depths of himself, promoting the experience of God in silence. Thus, the place of worship of any religion is "a house of prayer".

That is why the Council finds "senseless the attacks perpetrated in recent years against churches, mosques and synagogues by ill-intentioned persons", who systematically target places of worship. "Any attempt to attack places of worship or threaten them through attacks, explosions or demolitions is a deviation from the teachings of religions, as well as a clear violation of international law," the papal message states.

"With renewed esteem and our fraternal greetings, we convey, on behalf of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, our friendly wishes for a fruitful month of Ramadan and a joyful Eid al-Fitr," the message concludes.