OIC secretary general meets Vatican pope

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu met here yesterday with Pope of Vatican Francis. During the meeting, they discussed a number of joint issues among Muslims and Christians. The two sides agreed necessity to enhance efforts for more respect the religious pluralism and cultural diversity. They also stressed importance to counter the spread of bigotry and prejudices. They confirmed that interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world. The OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu shared with Pope Francis his vision regarding the need for a historic reconciliation between Islam and Christianity based on the common Abrahamic roots and in order to support multiculturalism and harmonious societies. Pope Francis commended the proposal of the OIC Secretary General and stressed the need to follow it up.