Like Francis, new Pope must embrace tolerance, peace, GIMP canvasses
As lovers of peace across the world mourn the glorious transition of Pope Francis, and await the emergence of his successor, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP) Nigeria has acknowledged the late Pontiff as a champion of interfaith tolerance and global peace.
In a press statement by the Secretary of Trustees/Governing Board of the Guild, Mr. Samuel Egburonu, Pope Francis described as an acknowledged promoter of religious harmony and love among diverse people of the world.
The statesman read: “Pope Francis’ messages on interfaith tolerance were anchored on his firm belief in ‘Fratelli Tutti’ (Fraternity and Social Friendship).
“His passionate initiatives aimed at promoting interfaith coexistence and tolerance will for long remain credible compass to navigate the route of true global peace.
“For our world to live together in peace and harmony, Pope Francis recommended dialogue and collaboration amongst leaders and adherents of various religion and faith.
“He was one global religious leader of our time, who openly preached that true religion should unite instead of divide.
“As the world bids Pope Francis goodbye, we at Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (Nigeria) recall with pride, that glorious day in 2019 when he left his Papal office in Rome to visit Abu Dhabi, where he met and dialogued with Sheik Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. It was that historic visit that led to the signing of the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’.
“We recall with nostalgia that he did more. He also signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal, bold steps that show where he stood”.
GIMP said that, today, Pope Francis has done his part and has left the scene. “For a safe, peaceful world, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (Nigeria) call on our leaders, including religious ones and others to embrace the message of tolerance, dialogue and peace anchored on mutual respect.
