Pope Francis’s Theology of Interreligious Relations in the Asian Context

Abstract

This article examines Pope Francis’s theological legacy in the field of interreligious relations within the Asian context. Its central objective is to integrate the pontiff’s written magisterium with his pastoral encounters in order to outline a new theological framework for the Church from a global perspective. The research adopts a qualitative methodology of theological analysis, based on a documentary examination of the exhortations and encyclicals Evangelii Gaudium, Document on Human Fraternity, and Fratelli Tutti, in dialogue with a contextual theological interpretation of his apostolic journeys undertaken between 2014 and 2024. It is argued that Francis proposes a reconfiguration of the relationship between evangelization and dialogue, understanding them as mutually constitutive dimensions rather than parallel processes. The findings point to a significant shift toward an “incarnational praxis” that validates religious plurality as part of the divine plan and prioritizes a culture of encounter grounded in humility and ethical responsibility. By examining thematic patterns of symbolic, ethical, and spiritual dialogue on the Asian continent, the study demonstrates how Francis’s “theology of encounter” is embodied in gestures of reconciliation and public appeals for justice. As a contribution, the research offers a theological synthesis capable of bridging the gap between official doctrine and lived experience. It thus proposes a coherent model for Asian Christianity to confront the rise of religious nationalism and to act in public spheres marked by tensions, reaffirming dialogue not as an optional strategy, but as a constitutive, and sacramental, requirement of the Christian mission.

Keywords: Pope Francis. Asia. Inter-religious Dialogue. Theology.