ISNA Welcomes Pope Francis and Congratulates the Catholic Community

(Washington, DC — March 15, 2013) The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) congratulates the global Catholic community on the selection of Pope Francis as the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. ISNA has enjoyed positive dialogue with the Catholic community for the past two decades through our relationship with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  Our relationship was further strengthened 1996, when we began the Midwest Muslim-Catholic Dialogue, an annual event that culminated in a National Muslim-Catholic Plenary this past year. ISNA President Imam Mohamed Magid extended a letter of congratulations to Pope Francis today.  “We are delighted that you have chosen to be referred to by the same name as [St. Francis,] such a warmhearted and courageous saint,” he said.  “We are confident that you will build on this legacy by advancing Muslim-Catholic dialogue in today’s world.”