Pope Francis’ Culture of Dialogue as Pathway to Interfaith Encounter: A Special Focus on Islam

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is an excellent paper which makes a distinctive contribution to the extensive body of literature on the contribution of Pope Francis. Its originality and main strength lies in section 4. Pope Francis and Islam, and section 3, focusing on the different levels of dialogue, especially interreligious dialogue, is also very relevant and interesting. 

My only critique of this otherwise very strong paper, is a certain lack of critique of Pope Francis. There are limitations to his practice of dialogue, for example, dealing with matters ad intra, and an appreciation of Francis' development and practice of the concept of dialogue must include a critical dimension. This is missing. 

The concept of interreligious synodality is very interesting. Its relationship with evangelization might be developed a little on p.19, as that is a particular aspect that critics of Francis may respond to. 

On a minor matter, the article moves between referring to the pope as Bergoglio and Francis. I think it best to use Bergoglio for anything he did prior to becoming pope, and Francis for anything afterwards. 

The article is very well written but, in places, there are minor edits needed, not related to spelling. Some examples of where editing is needed: lines 123, first line of footnote 4, line 191, 389, 467, 605, 748. 

Author Response

Dear Riviewer,

I am grateful for your appreciation towards the paper I submitted.

Regarding your observations I agree on your suggestion regarding the use of Francis and Bergoglio. I will keep it for future writings.

Secondly, though I agree with you regarding your observation on evangelization, I feel that the topic deserves a focussed attention and consequent reflection. Being the present paper more oriented towards dialogue with Islam I preferred not to delve into the evangelisation-dialogue issue. This can be addressed more specifically in another paper.

Regarding the observation on lack of critique on Pope Francis' position about and experience of dialogue, I personally feel that the positive side is far richer that the unavoidable limitations which may carry along. I agree with your observation but at this stage I preferred to underline the novelty of his attitude towards dialogue and in particular of dialogue with Muslims. A more balance evaluation, including the critique side, can be done at the end of this papacy.

Thanking you wholeheartedly

Roberto Catalano

Reviewer 2 Report

The article presented is an interesting proposal for a model of relationships in religions as well as in society. The commitment to dialogue requires a conscience of its own, but also an openness to otherness. The article presents, with many data, Pope Francis as a model of this dialogue to generate relations between religions that allow the overcoming of differences, but from the recognition of the equality of differences.

The possible improvements proposed would be along four lines:

1. it would be necessary to look for other sources external to the Church itself that justify the traits assigned to Pope Francis.
2. it would be convenient to adequately establish the concept of dialogue from contrasted theoretical approaches such as, Habermas and his theory of communicative action.
3. in the argumentation presented, the bases of the Second Vatican Council of Pope Francis are mentioned. Among these bases, Nostra Aetate, Lumen Gentium, Unitatis Redintegratio and Ad Gentes are mentioned, but it would also be necessary to refer to Gaudium et Spes and Dignitatis Humanae. In the same sense, it would be convenient to present their corresponding references.
4. the proposal of synodality is very suggestive as the path of this dialogue also within the Church, but also towards other religions and society. If the concept is taken as a reference, it would be necessary to refer to the International Theological Conference of 2018.

To conclude, I would like to indicate that, although a small reference is made to the Jesuits formation and vocation of Pope Francis. It could be interesting to delve into this path to justify much of the Pope's dialogical disposition, for example, with the figure of Arrupe.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your appreciation towards the paper I have submitted.

Regarding your observation I agree on all suggestions but I personally feel that each of them could be the topic for as many articles. More specifically:

1. There are interesting issues which could be addressed in a study of sources outside the Church. Here I limited myself to Muslims sources as the specific topic is dialogue with Islam.
2. Also the theoretical approach has been limited being the article on the dimension of Pope Francis' attitude about it and specifically on dialogue with Muslims. In him the approach is less theoretical and more pastoral and experiential.
3. it could be of great interest to deepen  the aspect of dialogue in other documents of  Vatican Council . But this would require a focussed work. I am convinced that it would be most timely to realize it as often Pope Francis speaks of the Council as his source of inspiration.
4. The same goes for the suggestion of examining the International Theological Conference of 2018. I feel motivated to write a paper about the experience of dialogue in Pope Francis seen in the perspective of the Council documents and of other writings and documents.
5. Most fascinating for me would be to study the influence of Arrupe on pope Francis. Something is already done by Massimo Borghesi in Italy.

I am grateful because you have given me inspiration for further studies on these topics.

Gratefelly yours

Roberto Catalano