When Pope Francis answered my ‘Salaam’

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It was a brief moment, but it meant everything. The Pope returning a greeting from a faith not his own. I had seen that openness in the news, but it felt different to experience it firsthand. His sincerity was unmistakable.

Growing up as a Muslim in the Philippines – especially in Metro Manila, a predominantly Christian area – meant learning early how to navigate differences. 

Raised in a Franciscan school, I learned to whisper Bismillah (in the name of Allah) before meals that began with “Bless us, O Lord.” I fasted during Ramadan but also sat quietly through the recitation of the Mysteries during the Month of the Holy Rosary. During the Christmas season, we would exchange gifts with our relatives from our mother side who are Catholics.

In those daily acts of respect, I then started to understand that peace is not just political, it is deeply personal.

But being Muslim in the aftermath of 9/11, during the height of the all-out war in Mindanao, and at a time when global news portray Muslims as threats, I often heard things like, “Mahirap kaaway ang Muslim, kasi mamamatay ka (It’s hard to have a Muslim as an enemy, because you’ll die).” That wasn’t just a stereotype, it was Islamophobia made real, embedded in everyday conversations.

Living in harmony despite our differences was not always easy, but it was possible.

This is where Pope Francis made a difference. He did not just speak of interfaith dialogue – he lived it. Throughout his papacy, he engaged communities of different faiths, not out of politeness, but because he genuinely believed in it. He met with religious leaders from around the world. I remember watching a news story where he washed the feet of refugees – many of them Muslim.

In June 2024, I had the rare chance to meet him when he welcomed our small group in a private audience in his residence. A lot of things were running through my head at the time, but the only thing I got to say was, “Assalamu alaykum (Peace be upon you).” He looked me in the eye, smiled warmly, and replied, “Salaam (Peace).”

It was a brief moment, but it meant everything. The Pope – the head of the Catholic Church – returning a greeting from a faith not his own. I had seen that openness in the news, but it felt different to experience it firsthand. His sincerity was unmistakable. So was his commitment to peaceful coexistence.

When he addressed us, his remarks conveyed the same message. He spoke of “the Spirit who opens paths of dialogue and encounter,” of “friendship and cooperation,” of “working for peace across differences,” and of the dream of “a more united world, in the harmony of diversity.”

In a world burdened by violence and fear, he reminded us that “interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace,” and that it is “a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities.”

Now, as the world mourns his passing, we also reflect on what he leaves behind.

In his final Easter address – in his remaining moments – he even called for peace in Gaza.

His voice for peace will continue to reverberate.

He answered my salaam greeting. He embodied the true meaning of the word. May this go on. May we answer his call – for peace, for compassion, and for a world where coexistence is no longer the exception, but the norm. – Rappler.com