Despite the serious tone of the catechesis on martyrdom in which Pope Francis condemned suicide attackers who are sometimes called 'martyrs.' Pope Francis also wanted to show his closeness to Islam.
While greeting the Spanish-speaking pilgrims, he publicly congratulated a Muslim, who had participated in a conference on Laudate si'. It was a small gesture but, again, it shows the pope's closeness to the people and his respect for Islam.
POPE FRANCIS
'I cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims, particularly the groups from Spain and Latin America. I also greet the Argentinean group, who has worked on the encyclical, Laudato si' and interreligious dialogue. And to the Islamic member of the group, Happy Birthday!'
