This reflection contrasts two eras of fear and misunderstanding — once between communism and the Free World, and today between Islam and the West. The speaker recalls how his family, with Russian roots, avoided discussing their past because of fear under communism. He draws a parallel to the modern world, where Islam is often viewed with similar suspicion and hostility. Many in the West, he observes, see Islam only as a threat, blaming it for global problems and failing to recognize the faith’s richness or goodness. This sets the stage for revisiting the remarkable encounter between Saint Francis of Assisi and the Muslim Sultan Malik al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade — an encounter that models dialogue, humility, and shared holiness.
In 1219, amid a brutal Crusade in Egypt, Francis accompanied Christian soldiers to Damietta in hopes of preaching peace. When the Crusaders ignored him and were slaughtered in battle, Francis courageously crossed into enemy territory with one companion. Captured and beaten, he was brought before Sultan al-Kamil — a learned, devout man who traveled with Sufi mystics and discussed theology even on the battlefield. The Sultan expected the usual proud, wealthy clergy but instead met a poor, humble friar dressed in rags. Though Francis may have first tried to convert him, he soon began to listen. Through open, respectful dialogue, both men discovered they worshipped the same God, and mutual respect replaced hostility. Francis stayed for several days — perhaps two weeks — and when he departed, the Sultan offered him many gifts. Francis accepted only a safe-conduct letter and a horn used for prayer, symbolic of his reverence for the Muslim call to prayer that inspired the Christian Angelus devotion.Artistically and spiritually, their meeting is remembered as a vision of equality before God. Though a beggar and a ruler would not have stood as equals in their societies, this spiritual image portrays them united in holiness, both surrounded by divine light — the halo and the flame. The artist merges Christian and Islamic symbols of holiness to reveal a profound truth: that sanctity, wherever it is found, springs from the same divine source. This image embodies the belief that God’s presence transcends religion and that genuine holiness bridges divides rather than deepens them.Over time, legends distorted this event into tales of confrontation — stories that Francis challenged the Sultan to walk through fire to prove whose God was true. Such myths, encouraged by later Church leaders, attempted to downplay Francis’s friendship with the Sultan, fearing it threatened institutional authority. Yet, as modern historians uncover the truth, Francis’s peaceful encounter stands as a timeless lesson in interfaith dialogue. It calls Christians today to move beyond fear and demonization, to listen deeply, recognize shared goodness, and seek the one God who is the source of all holiness. In a world once again tempted by division and distrust, the story of Francis and the Sultan invites us to reclaim the path of peace, humility, and mutual respect.
Journal and reflect on the following1. Understanding Fear and Division How does the speaker’s comparison between past fears of communism and modern fears of Islam challenge us to rethink the way we view people who are “different” from us?
2. The Courage of Saint Francis What does it reveal about Saint Francis’s faith and character that he crossed the battle lines during the Crusades to meet the Sultan, knowing the risks involved?
3. Listening as a Path to Peace Why is listening — rather than trying to convert or win an argument — such an important part of building understanding and respect between people of different faiths?
4. Shared Holiness What does the shared image of the halo and the flame teach us about the belief that holiness can be found in all people, regardless of religion or background?
5. Lessons from the Sultan How did the Sultan’s openness, wisdom, and respect influence Francis’s view of Islam and deepen his understanding of God’s presence in others?
6. From Myth to Truth Why might later Church leaders have altered or minimized Francis’s friendship with the Sultan, and what can we learn from rediscovering the true story today?
7. Relevance for Today In a world still marked by fear, stereotypes, and division, how can the example of Francis and the Sultan inspire us to become peacemakers who seek dialogue and mutual respect?Discuss
Song - Make me a channel of your peace
Final Prayer
God of peace and all creation, we thank You for the example of Saint Francis and Sultan al-Kamil, who showed the world that true faith leads not to fear or hatred, but to understanding and friendship. Teach us to listen with open hearts, to see Your image in every person, and to seek the goodness that unites us beyond boundaries of culture and religion. May their meeting inspire us to become instruments of Your peace — to speak gently, love deeply, and walk humbly with all our brothers and sisters. Let our words and actions reflect Your one holy light that shines through every human heart. Amen.
