POPE FRANCIS SUPPORTS A DIALOGUE WITH ISLAM AND CALLS FOR WORLDWIDE EFFORT TO ADDRESS POVERTY.............

Underscoring his personal and pastoral commitment to being the servant leader of all persons are a part of God's Creation, Catholics, other Christians, non Christians, and even non-Believers, Pope Francis is urging a dialogue with Islam.  Speaking to diplomats representing the 170 countries with which the Vatican has ongoing relations, Pope Francis urged them to embrace, "the spiritual poverty of our time", in orer to, "re-forge links with God", that are a pivotal part of carrying out the mission of Religion.  Building peace through inter-religious efforts being essential to the task, as Pope Francis pointed out that ignoring people, such as Muslims, fails in establishing necessary links with God, to achieve Peace.  Therefore, the Holy Father calls upon us to, "intensify dialogue", with others specically Islam in attainment of that goal.  The Roman Pontiff also spoke about the need to "fight poverty,  both material and spiritual", as we strive to build the necessary bridges of dialogue and peace.  Calling for a greater appreciation and respect for the Environment the Pope referred to St. Francis of Assisi, for whom he took his name as Holy Father, for his austerity, concern for the poor, and respect for nature.............Fr.  Troy