The second international academic conference, “A Bridge Between Worlds, Building Peace,” was organized by the Office of Religions and Denominations of the Deputy for Communications and International Affairs of the Islamic Seminaries, in cooperation with the Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Jamiat al-Zahra Seminary, and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vatican.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chiara Ferro, an Italian scholar and member of the political science department at the University of Naples Federico II, analyzed Pope Francis’ role in interfaith dialogue in the Persian Gulf region.
Pointing to West Asia’s strategic position as a crossroads of faiths and cultures, she noted, “The Christian presence in this region predates Islam, though Christians now live there as a minority.”
Dr. Ferro added that during the pontificate of Pope Francis, Vatican diplomacy has blended religious, political, and cultural dimensions, and has shown an evident priority for dialogue with the Islamic world.
The professor from the University of Naples assessed Pope Francis’ historic visits to Egypt and Iraq, and his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sistani, as decisive steps on the path to peace and reconciliation. “Pope Francis reminded the world that mercy, the dignity of every human being, and the presence of the Holy Spirit flow among the followers of all faiths,” she remarked.
She stressed that interfaith dialogue is not a matter of compromising on principles, but rather a pathway toward coexistence and mutual understanding.
In her concluding remarks, citing support for religious minorities and human dignity as central pillars of the Pope’s approach, Dr. Ferro underscored, “Pope Francis has redefined Vatican diplomacy with a global vision. His journeys have strengthened interfaith dialogue in the Persian Gulf region and West Asia, and such dialogue remains essential and unavoidable for building a future that is inclusive and just.”
