At a time when some personalities are equating the religion of Islam to violence and terrorism, a Roman Catholic bishop spoke of how Muslims, like Christians, also believe in a merciful and compassionate God.

In his message to the Muslim world in time for the month of Ramadan, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, emphasized the similarities between believers of Christianity and of Islam.

"A theme that is close to the hearts of Muslims and Christians alike is mercy. We know that Christianity and Islam both believe in a merciful God, who shows his mercy and compassion towards all his creatures, in particular the human family," Tauran said in his message posted on the Vatican Radio website.

"He created us out of immense love. He is merciful in caring for each of us, bestowing upon us the gifts we need for our daily life, such as food, shelter and security," he added.

Tauran nevertheless acknowledged that the world is facing several challenges now, including violence.

"When we gaze upon humanity today, we are saddened to see so many victims of conflicts and violence – here we think in particular of the elderly, and children and women, especially those who fall prey to human trafficking and the many people who suffer from poverty, illness, natural disasters and unemployment," he said.

The Roman Catholic bishop said that to be able to face these challenges, Christians and Muslims are both "called to do our best to imitate God."

"He, the Merciful, asks us to be merciful and compassionate towards others, especially those who are in any kind of need. So too he calls us to be forgiving of one another," Tauran said.

He also urged Muslims and Christians to unite and help those who are in need.

"We cannot close our eyes to these realities, or turn away from these sufferings. It is true that the situation is often very complex and that their solution exceeds our capacities. It is vital, therefore, that all work together in assisting those in need. It is a source of great hope when we experience or hear of Muslims and Christians joining hands to help the needy," he said.