Pope Francis urges west to intensify dialogue with Islam

Pope Francis said Friday that he will look to strengthen ties between the Catholic Church and other religions. He urged the West to build up stronger dialogue with Islam and other religions.Addressing diplomats accredited to the Vatican, the Pontiff urged them to intensify dialogue among the various religions, adding that he was “thinking particularly of dialogue with Islam.” He expressed his appreciation at the presence of so many civil and religious leaders from the Islamic world during his inauguration.The Pope said that inter-religious dialogue was immense in building peace in the world. He called for combatting poverty, demanding that the richer countries play a stronger role in doing so.