ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the firm brotherhood and friendship of Pope Francis with Patriarch Bartholomew and the start of their common journey as peacemakers in Lampedusa (Italy), Cuba, and Abu Dhabi, and his difficult journeys to Muslims in Egypt and Turkey, to Jews and Muslims in Jordan and Jerusalem, and to Buddhists and Muslims in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. It explores the journeys and challenges undertaken by Pope Francis on his visits to Auschwitz and Hiroshima. The book examines the role of Pope Francis as mediator in different contemporary circumstances through his own writings, letters, and Vatican documents. examines Pope Francis’ seminal writings on peace, social justice, and the common home, that is, Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti. It examines Pope Francis’ encounter with world leaders, his visit to Iraq, and his engagement with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
