Cultural and Religious Dimensions of Encounter

April 4, 2022

Pope Francis’ idea of the culture of encounter encompasses but goes beyond the imperative of deeper interreligious dialogue for the global common good. One of his key insights, that positive encounter begins with respectful listening, is relevant for interpersonal and community as well as wider social interaction. And what he calls “social friendship”—as both a foundation and a fruit of encounter—resonates with similar ideas in different religious and cultural traditions.

In these essays, participants in the Culture of Encounter and the Global Agenda project explore the cultural and religious dimensions of the idea of encounter in different contexts.