The meeting also highlighted Egypt’s experience in fostering communication and understanding among citizens of different religious communities as a model for religious coexistence.
Garcera said the delegation came “primarily as students,” prepared to listen, learn and understand Islam from the perspective of Muslims themselves.
“We need to understand how our Muslim brothers and sisters see their faith, their law, their family and community life,” he said.
From dialogue to peace
Such understanding is essential for Catholic leaders serving communities where Christians and Muslims interact daily, particularly in Mindanao, he said.
The Philippines is predominantly Christian but has a significant Muslim population, especially in Mindanao, where Christian-Muslim relations have included both conflict and cooperation.
Garcera said history should encourage religious leaders to build on examples of friendship and coexistence rather than remain trapped by past misunderstandings.
The initiative followed an April meeting between Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila and Al-Azhari, which developed into a broader exchange between Filipino and Egyptian religious communities.
The delegation’s program includes visits to mosques, churches and sites associated with the Holy Family, offering a broader view of Egypt’s Christian and Muslim heritage.
Garcera said the experience could help bishops and priests become better pastors, dialogue partners and builders of peace when they return to the Philippines.
He said dialogue should move beyond formal discussions toward relationships built through listening, learning and genuine friendship.
“May greater knowledge lead to greater respect, greater friendship, and ultimately to that peaceful coexistence which both our faith traditions call us to promote,” Garcera said.
