Raisu-l-Ulama Kavazović: What Other Road Can We Take, But the Road of Peace, Respect and Dialogue?

Commenting on the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis visit to Sarajevo for Catholic weekly newspaper "Katolički tjednik”, Raisu-l-Ulama Husein ef. Kavazovic emphasized the importance of the role of the Vatican and the Pope in promoting peace and interreligious dialogue, and independence and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and I personally greatly appreciate the role of the Vatican and the Pope, especially Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, in promoting peace and interreligious dialogue, and independence and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I say this not only because they have already visited our country three times, but also because they have a good understanding of everything that has happened and is happening here - said Rais Kavazović.

He pointed out that, although, because of the different circumsances, the visit of Pope Francis to Sarajevo five years ago can in no way be compared to the visit of Pope John Paul II right after the war, that does not make it not any less significant.

- Quite to the contrary, he proved the continuity of the relationship the Vatican has towards our country and its peoples. The messages we heard that day and the meetings we had were very encouraging to us all.

- Still, no external encouragement can bring back the peace and culture of respect we used to have here in Bosnia. That is something we need to do on our own. I sincerely believe that we have enough capacities and enough faith to motivate us to do it. These days, it is clear that that task is not easy and that building peace and interreligious dialogue requires a lot of caution in words and deeds. But what other road can we, not only as believers, but as sons and daughters of Adam and Eve (Hawa), choose, but the road of peace, respect and dialogue?

- Finally, I would like all believers, especially Catholics, to heed the messages of Pope Francis about our numerous common challenges and the messages he left to us in Sarajevo - said Raisu-l-Ulama Husein ef. Kavazović.