In 1219, in Damietta, Egypt, there was a most unusual encounter between the Sultan of Egypt and a man who would become a Catholic saint. It was the height of the Fifth Crusade. After a particularly brutal defeat of the Christian forces, during a truce, Francis and a companion struggled through the lines of “the enemy” with a message of peace. Although each man may well have hoped for some kind of conversion by the other, both were likely impressed with the deeply held faith of the other. They may even have stayed together and dialogued for as long as three weeks. Francis left with the protection of the Sultan guaranteeing him safe passage through the Muslim-held lands.

What happened between Francis and Sultan Malek al-Kamil? Sadly there is no record of their encounter. Their meeting, however, is a well-documented historical fact. It has become a popular area of academic study during recent years. We surmise that the meeting was profound for both parties—mention is made of it in an inscription on the coffin of one of the Sultan’s spiritual guides. Francis would later adopt some of the styles of prayer and customs of spirituality he found in Islam. There seems to be little doubt that these two men, each known for their commitment to peace-making walked away from the other man, recognizing a person of peace, a faithful believer in the God of Abraham, one committed to doing the works of God. Myths are shattered and a new truth begins to be known. Eight-hundred years later their encounter challenges us to a similar openness to respectful listening and dialogue.