CEI and PISAI release educational documents on Islam

The Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), in collaboration with the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI), has released a series of documents titled ‘Schede per conoscere l’Islam’ (Fact Sheets to Know Islam). The initiative was presented at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, with the participation of representatives from various Islamic organizations in Italy.

The publication has drawn criticism regarding its theological approach. Critics argue that the text adopts a language of interreligious dialogue that may undermine Catholic dogma by suggesting that Christians and Muslims worship the same God. Specifically, concerns have been raised that equating ‘Allah’ with the Christian concept of God obscures the central dogma of the Holy Trinity and the divinity of Jesus Christ, which are fundamental to the Catholic faith.

Furthermore, the choice of venue and the involvement of certain organizations have sparked debate concerning the institutional implications of the project and its impact on Christian identity and the relationship between religion and democratic principles in Italy.