A Word on Islam and the Twenty-First Century – The Tenth Islamic Conference
Lecture of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III on Development and Human Cooperation in a Changing World
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III began his address by greeting the senior scholars participating in the conference from Al-Azhar, the Ministry of Endowments, and other Arab intellectuals, congratulating them on this meaningful meeting that gathers minds for the benefit of the entire Arab world.
He explained that the world is in constant development — moving from the family to the tribe, to the nation, and now to a united global community. He emphasized that development does not mean abandoning values and principles but rather using modern means to serve those same values.
He spoke about modern technology and communication tools that have connected the world in an instant, noting that knowledge is now easily accessible through computers and the Internet. These inventions, he said, are not evil in themselves; their moral value depends on how they are used.
His Holiness emphasized that Arabs must be an influential power in the world, not merely influenced by it, and that they should present their heritage and values to others through translation into living languages, just as other nations present theirs. Translation, he said, is mutual — both giving and receiving — and it is the beginning of true cultural interaction.
He also warned against the misuse of freedom in the West, affirming that Christianity offers a disciplined freedom guided by the commandments of God, moral principles, and public order. He urged care for emigrant children so they do not absorb unrestrained concepts of liberty.
He discussed the relationship between mind and machine, explaining that technology must remain a tool in human hands, not a replacement for them, since excessive reliance could lead to unemployment and moral and economic harm.
In conclusion, His Holiness called for Arab unity and cooperation to face challenges, recalling the unity of the Arabs under Salah al-Din that restored Jerusalem after ninety years of occupation, confirming that unity is strength.
He ended with a prayer that the conference may be a blessing for the world, for the good of humanity, and for the eternal glory of God.
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