Esperienze di dialogo tra cristiani e musulmani in Italia

EXPERIENCES OF DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN ITALY

Dialogue with Muslims will be, in particular, an opportunity for us to reflect on their profound religious experience, which directs everything toward returning the world to God in submission to Him. In this regard, our proper understanding of secularism must be careful not to be lived as a separation—or even an opposition—between the human journey and the Christian journey.

— Carlo Maria Martini, We and Islam (1990)

Diocesan Offices, Delegates, and Coordinators for Dialogue

The first actors engaged in dialogue are the diocesan offices for ecumenism and interreligious dialogue through their appointed coordinators, delegates, and experts. Their activities vary according to the highly diverse characteristics of Italian territories, with significant differences between large urban centers and rural or mountainous areas.

Some dioceses are particularly called to promote Christian–Muslim dialogue because of specific industrial, maritime, academic, or demographic contexts, including the long-standing and substantial presence of Muslim communities, as is the case in regions such as Sicily.

An increasingly common practice is the sending of greetings for Ramadan and the sharing of celebrations marking its conclusion.

The CEI, UNEDI, Mixed Marriages, and Educational Resources on Islam

The National Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (UNEDI) of the Italian Episcopal Conference coordinates activities at the national level by promoting studies, meetings, and projects. It supports dioceses while encouraging local initiatives and cooperation between dioceses and Muslim communities.

In 2005, the CEI published the important document Marriages between Catholics and Muslims in Italy and subsequently produced various educational and research materials on Islam.

The Document on Human Fraternity inspired numerous bilateral initiatives, including dialogue days, summer schools, and joint projects at both national and local levels.

In 2025, the CEI and the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies published the first series of Guides to Understanding Islam, jointly written by Catholic and Muslim scholars.

Initiatives and Days of Christian–Muslim Dialogue

Dialogue and encounter initiatives are organized by the Focolare Movement, in keeping with its charism of unity and the example of Chiara Lubich, in collaboration with Muslim communities, dioceses, parishes, and other organizations.

Since its foundation, the Community of Sant'Egidio has been active in promoting dialogue and peace. Particularly after the World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, it began organizing annual initiatives at the end of October to keep alive the “Spirit of Assisi.”

For several years these events were known as Men and Religions; today they continue under the title International Meeting for Peace, bringing together participants from around the world in different locations and around diverse themes.

Following appeals by Pope John Paul II after the events of the September 11 attacks, informal Christian–Muslim dialogue days began to be organized. In many places they are still held around 27 October, the anniversary of the Assisi gathering of 1986.

Italian Institutions Specifically Dedicated to Christian–Muslim Dialogue

Centro Ambrosiano di Dialogo con le Religioni (CADR) – Milan, 1990

Inspired by the vision of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, who delivered the influential address We and Islam on 6 December 1990, the center was founded and coordinated by Giampiero Alberti together with a multidisciplinary team.

Centro Federico Peirone – Turin, 1995

Founded by the Archdiocese of Turin and dedicated to Federico Peirone, a teacher of Arabic language and Islamic thought, the center provides formation for Christians engaged in interreligious dialogue, promotes the comparative study of Islam, and accompanies Christian–Muslim mixed couples by offering cultural, religious, and legal support. It also publishes the journal Il dialogo al-hivàr.

International Oasis Foundation – Venice/Milan, 2004

Founded by Cardinal Angelo Scola, the foundation promotes mutual understanding between the Muslim world and the West. It studies contemporary Muslim societies and Christian communities living in Muslim-majority countries. Acting as a cultural bridge, it combines academic rigor with accessibility in public debate and publishes the journal Oasis.