Grand Mufti: Religious leaders are called to raise the prestige of faith

“We live in a time when religions are often used for mercenary aims. In this sense we, the religious leaders, are called to raise the prestige of faith and religion to the society. The religious feelings are personal and inviolable that is why every person is free to choose his belief”, said the Grand Mufti Dr. Mustafa Hadzhi during his meeting with the State Secretary of Vatican His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Cardinal Parolin is on a two-day official visit in Bulgaria at the invitation of the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and the Catholic Church in Bulgaria. The official meeting in Grand Mufti’s Office was attended by the Vatican Ambassador to Sofia H.E. Mons. Anselmo Pecorari, Exzarch Hristo Proynov, the Director of “Religious Denominations” Directorate in CM Emil Velinov, the Deputy Grand Mufti Birali Birali and the Secretary General Ahmed Ahmedov.

“We share the philosophy that religion is above politics but not in sense that it should interfere in it as we do not want also politics to interfere in the religious affairs. But this does not exclude the good relations”, further said the religious leader to his guest.

“Religion is a foundational of human life. In this sense I share your philosophy that it must not be used for mercenary aims, because this would change our real aim and it is serving to God”, said Cardinal Pietro Parolin. He thanked the Grand Mufti for the cordial welcome and stressed that he is aware of his active contribution to the dialogue between the religious denominations, for which he greeted him.

“Inter-faith dialogue is very important taking into consideration the fact that it has its natural ability to prevent and influence for resolving international conflicts”, said Cardinal Parolin. According to him this is one very large platform which supposes joint efforts of the religions of the world.

The Grand Mufti said that we have in Bulgaria an established model of mutual respect and cooperation between religions in the framework of the National council of the Religious Communities of Bulgaria.

The Grand Mufti gave his guest a gift a carved rose which is a symbol of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and Cardinal Parolin honored him with a medal dedicated to the Year of Mercy in Vatican.