VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has expressed hope that Muslims can work together with Christians to promote mutual respect.
The pope spoke from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square during his traditional Sunday appearance. He said that "our brothers" the Muslims had just concluded their holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to fasting, prayer and alms-giving.
Tens of thousands of Romans and tourists turned out in the square in blistering heat for the papal appearance and blessing. Francis has decided to spend summer at the Vatican instead of at the customary papal villa in Castel Gandolfo, a hill town southeast of Rome where the weather is usually cooler, especially on summer evenings.
