A Vatican official received an honorary degree from an Islamic university in Indonesia this week for his work in inter-religious dialogue.
Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, president of the Dicastery for Inter-religious Dialogue received an Honoris Causa Doctorate from the Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University in Indonesia’s Yogyakarta province on February 13.
The prelate received the award for his role in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together by Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
The document, which was signed on Feb. 4, 2019, seeks to promote a “culture of mutual respect” between Christians and Muslims.
Professor Phil Al Makin, rector of Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, described the role of Cardinal Ayuso Guixot in the signing of the declaration as “significant.”
“The signing of the declaration means that the Vatican, under the leadership of Pope Francis, has actively promoted tolerance and harmony among religious believers,” said the professor.
He said the cardinal “has always underlined how Indonesia finds its strengths in Islamic wisdom and in local communities, and that the good relationship between religious communities is different from that of other nations.”
Cardinal Ayuso Guixot is known for his work in promoting inter-religious dialogue while he worked in Egypt and Sudan and other countries in the Middle East.
In his acceptance speech, Cardinal Ayuso Guixot spoke of the Islamic concept of “wasatiyyah” or “moderation” as a “solution” to the challenges of religious fundamentalism and extremism.
“Wasatiyyah has been adopted and practiced by many Islamic parties to defend their moderate character in addressing contemporary issues, continuing to prioritize social justice and well-being,” said the cardinal.
He also expressed his admiration for the Indonesian “pancasila” as a lifestyle and philosophy. “Pancasila” is the official, foundational philosophical theory of Indonesia.
“God created us with so many differences not to ignite social division but to create unity among us,” said the Catholic Church leader.
“We have our common identity as a human family with the same rights and duties as all the inhabitants of the world,” he added.
“Let’s not forget that we also have the same roots, which means that dialogue will never start from scratch but from humanity itself, which will help us open up an existential meeting space,” said the cardinal. – with a report from AsiaNews
