- Grand Iranian Shia cleric, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, urged continued contacts between the Qom Islamic Seminary and Vatican saying divine religions have to join hands in a bid to counter extremist and Takfiri groups.
Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi made the comments here on Saturday in a meeting with Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, during which they welcomed expansion of ties between the two religious centers.
'Inter-religions cooperation can solve wars, disputes, ethical evils, and political and economic problems,' he said.
'We are happy that Vatican has set up a ministry to deal with the issues of peace and justice.'
Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi said Pope Francis has expressed his gratitude over Shia clerics' strong opposition to extremist and takfiri groups and their readiness to cooperate with such terrorist groups.
He said Qom and Vatican are facing three common challenges of blasphemy, extremism, and ethical evils which need a joint action for their correction.
source : abna24
