A man dedicated to fraternity among peoples

Following the death of Spanish Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, on Monday, 25 November, Pope Francis sent a message of condolences to Fr David Costa Domingues, Vicar General of the Comboni Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Cardinal Ayuso, the Holy Father said, was “always animated by the desire to bear witness, with meekness and wisdom, to God’s love for humanity, by working for fraternity between peoples and religions”. The Spanish Cardinal had been hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and died after a long illness “endured with great faith”.

Ministry offered generously and tirelessly

Pope Francis praised the work of “this brother who served the Gospel and the Church with exemplary dedication and sensitivity of spirit”, and expressed his deep gratitude for the ministry he offered generously, first as a zealous missionary in Egypt and Sudan, then as President of the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies, and finally at the service of the Roman Curia in the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue”. The Holy Father prayed that “through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, He may welcome this faithful servant into the heavenly Jerusalem”.

A champion of Interfaith Dialogue

For years, Cardinal Ayuso Guixot had been a firm advocate of interreligious dialogue, accompanying Pope Francis on nearly all of his apostolic journeys. His extensive knowledge of Islam and the Arab world made him an indispensable part of the Pope’s initiatives to strengthen relations with other faiths. These journeys, often referred to as “pilgrimages of fraternity”, showcased the cardinal’s dedication to fostering unity in regions where Catholicism is a minority.

In 2019, he participated in historic visits to the UAE and Morocco as Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, assuming leadership of the Dicastery shortly after being created cardinal on October 5, 2019. He later joined Pope Francis on the 2021 pilgrimage to Iraq, a visit he described as transformative for the war-torn nation. He also accompanied the Holy Father to Kazakhstan and Bahrain in 2022 and remained active in his mission until health challenges overtook him.

Deeply rooted faith and
global mission

Born on 17 June 1952, in Seville, Spain, Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot grew up in a devout Catholic family, the fifth of nine siblings. Seville’s unique blend of Christian and Islamic heritage deeply influenced his sensitivity to interfaith understanding. He initially pursued law studies, until he felt a vocational calling and joined the Comboni Missionaries in 1973. Ordained a priest in 1980, he continued advanced studies in Rome, specializing in Islamic studies.

His missionary journey began in Cairo, Egypt, where he served the Latin community and assisted young Sudanese Catholics. This path eventually led him to war-torn Sudan and later to academic leadership as president of the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies (pisai). His expertise earned him a role as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in 2007. Elevated to Prefect in 2019, Cardinal Ayuso Guixot became a central figure in the Church’s efforts to promote dialogue with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and other religious communities worldwide.

Legacy of fraternity

Cardinal Ayuso Guixot embodied Pope Francis’ vision of fraternity as outlined in the Encyclical “Fratelli Tutti”. Through his tireless dedication to dialogue, he demonstrated that peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths is both possible and necessary. His passing marks the loss of a visionary leader who brought the spirit of unity to the global stage.

Funeral in Saint Peter’s Basilica

Many representatives of other faiths expressed their condolences for Cardinal Ayuso, highlighting his great humanity and his work in promoting interreligious dialogue. The funeral took place on Wednesday, 27 November, at the Altar of the Chair in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The liturgy was celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, together with cardinals, archbishops and bishops. At the conclusion of the celebration, Pope Francis presided over the rite of the Ultima Commendatio and Valedictio.