Salvador Illa and Luis Argüello star in a meeting promoted by Comillas and the Fundación Pablo VI

On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of the Jesuit José María Martín Patino, the Pablo VI Foundation and the José María Martín Patino Chair for a Culture of Encounter at Comillas organised a dialogue between Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, and Monsignor Luis Argüello, President of the Spanish Episcopal Conference.

Moderated by Jesús Avezuela, Director General of the Pablo VI Foundation, the colloquium revolved around the value of dialogue as a tool for coexistence. "Dialogue implies recognising the other person, listening actively and seeking a common space, even if agreements are not always reached," said Illa. Argüello answered by stressing that "the word dialogue runs the risk of emptying itself of content if it is not based on reason and mutual respect". Both agreed that dialogue requires courage, humility and a willingness to review one's own convictions.

The meeting was inaugurated by the Rector of Comillas, Antonio Allende SJ, who stressed that "in times of polarisation such as these, these dialogues open a door to hope". Allende vindicated the figure of Martín Patino as a symbol of reconciliation and dialogue in democratic Spain, and pointed out that "human development is only achieved through dialogue, encounter and reconciliation".

Polarisation was one of the central themes of the meeting. Argüello defended "polarity" as a legitimate expression of diversity, but warned against its political instrumentalisation. "Polarisation as an electoral strategy is growing because difference is not valued," he said. Illa, for his part, lamented the fragmentation of public space and the role of social networks in the delegitimisation of institutions. "Contrast is good, but always with respect and education", he said.

The dialogue also addressed the relationship between religion and politics, as well as current democratic challenges. "The state is not God", said Argüello. Meanwhile, Illa defended the right of religions to participate in public debate: "Non-confessionalism does not imply reducing religions to the sacristy". With regard to democracy, both warned of the risk of simplifying electoral processes and called for a profound reflection on the role of institutions in times of uncertainty.

Another of the issues that came up was immigration from an ethical and political perspective. Illa defended integration as an engine of social cohesion: "Welcoming and integrating does not put our identity at risk, it enriches it". Argüello stressed human dignity and the common good, and assured that "welcoming, promotion and the right not to emigrate must go hand in hand". The meeting concluded with a call to build a "shared prosperity" that leaves no one behind, in line with the legacy of Martín Patino and the spirit of dialogue that inspires Comillas.