Pope Benedict XVI has approved the first-ever Catholic-Muslim forum which will hold its first meeting at the Vatican in November 2008. The decision follows three days of meetings with Vatican officials and a Muslim delegation representing 138 Muslim scholars. Inspired by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammed bin Talal of Jordan, these scholars wrote an open letter to the Pope and other Christian leaders last year, calling for greater dialogue between the groups. The first summit’s theme will be Love of God, Love of Neighbour and will take place 4-6 November at the Vatican. Nearly 50 delegates will attend; the group will be addressed by the pontiff.
