Message from the Vatican for Ramadan: Christians and Muslims called to “walk side by side”
In its annual message for Ramadan, the dicastery for interreligious dialogue highlights the importance of an “inner transformation” and calls Christians and Muslims to work together for peace. This year, Ramadan coincides largely with Lent, offering a unique opportunity to bring together the two communities.
The message, signed by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, responsible for the dicastery for interreligious dialogue, underlines that Ramadan and Lent are periods of fasting, prayer and sharing. These moments make it possible to get closer to God and to be renewed in the fundamental values of religion, such as compassion and solidarity. Cardinal Koovakad insists that this rare coincidence in the religious calendar offers a unique opportunity for Christians and Muslims to “walk side by side” in a common process of purification, prayer and charity.
The text deepens the idea of inner transformation. He explains that Ramadan, like Lent, is an interior conversion school. These periods are not limited to external gestures, but invite a real spiritual path. The cardinal recalls that faith is a journey of inner conversion, where fasting, prayer and alms purify the heart and refocus on the essentials.
Finally, the message addresses the need for fraternity and dialogue in a world marked by injustices and conflicts. Cardinal Koovakad affirms that Christians and Muslims must testify together of hope, despite the historical and ideological divisions. He underlines that faith in God is a treasure that unites the two communities and that this convergence between Ramadan and Lent is a unique opportunity to show the world that faith can transform individuals and societies, acting as a force of unity and reconciliation.
The message concludes by calling for concrete actions for peace, inspired by common values such as justice, compassion and respect for creation. He encourages gestures of solidarity and fraternal encounters between Christians and Muslims, especially on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, to celebrate the goodness of God together.
