On the occasion of the month of Ramadan and for the feast of 'Id al Fitr 1445 H. / 2024 A.D., the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has sent its annual message of good wishes to Muslims all over the world, entitled "Christians and Muslims: Extinguish the Fire of War and Light the Candle of Peace." The Message urges religious believers to extinguish the fires of hatred, violence, and war and instead light the gentle candle of peace.
The Message was released on March 15th and highlighted the alarming increase in conflicts, including military combat, armed clashes of varying intensity involving states, organised crime, armed gangs, and civilians.
The Message calls upon the Almighty as the God of peace and the source of peace, emphasising that peace is a divine gift but, at the same time, the fruit of human efforts. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of hope and to symbolise hope as a candle that radiates security and joy. . Finally, the Message wishes Muslim brothers and sisters abundant fruits of peace, hope, and joy during Ramadan and the celebration of 'Id al-Fitr.
