In recognition of the continuing relevance of the encounter between St. Francis and Sultan al-Malik al-Kamal in 1219, the Special Commission for Dialogue with Islam is happy to present to you, the Brothers of the Order and our many friends, St. Francis and the Sultan, 1219-2019: A Commemorative Booklet. This booklet provides you with a collection of informative articles that explicate the historical encounter through the lives and faiths of St. Francis and the Sultan, explore their meeting through the eyes of an artist and film director, and provide a Muslim perspective on interreligious dialogue. Catholic and Franciscan foundations for interreligious dialogue are represented by excerpts from papal encyclicals, the documents of the Second Vatican Council, and the Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor. Suggestions for additional reading are also included.
The Order is deeply grateful to the editors and staff of Franciscan Media (USA), which prepared the booklet for us. For your convenience, the Special Commission is also serializing the booklet, so that you may have a better sense of its contents.
Image: Baccio Maria Bacci, St. Francis and the Trial by Fire before the Sultan of Egypt, La Verna Franciscan Sanctuary
