During Pope Francis' Sunday "Blessing of the Pilgrims" at Saint Peter's square the pontiff addressed the Muslims of the world celebrating the end of Ramadan. The Pope called for all Christians and Muslims to promote a mutual respect between the two religions. The Pope urged people to educated future generations and advocate for respect and peace.
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Speaking from the studio window overlooking Saint Peter's square the Pope mentioned that "our brothers" referring to Muslims, were finishing Ramadan. The Islamic holiday is a holy month dedicated to prayer, charity and fasting.
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"I want to send a hello to Muslims around the world, our brothers, who a short time ago celebrated the conclusion of the month of Ramadan," the Pope said Sunday. "I hope that Christians and Muslims engage to promote in mutual respect, especially through the education of new generations."
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This is the second time Pope Francis called for peace and respect between Muslims and Christians. On August 2, Francis offered "an expression of esteem and friendship to all Muslims, especially their religious leaders," in the form of a text. The pontiff also said he hoped Christians and Muslims will "avoid unjustified and defamatory criticisms" of one another.
Following his Sunday address Pope Francis returned to work inside the Vatican. Unlike previous popes Francis is not spending the summer holiday at the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo. Pope Francis has decided to remain at the Vatican during this time as he prepares to make reforms within the church.
The Catholic Church has been plagued with stories of financial abuses coming from the Vatican as well as the constant accusations of sexual abuse of minors by priests. According to ABC News the Pope first wants to reform the Vatican Bank. The Pope also criticized what he called narcissistic church and also plans to enforce harsher punishments for clerics guilty of child abuse.
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