Anna Momigliano Renaissance masterpieces, check. Next mission: Capital of interfaith dialogue
MILAN, Italy – Florence may be best known for its masterpieces of art and Renaissance architecture, but according to its recently elected mayor, Dario Nardella, it now aims to become a world capital for interfaith dialogue as well. In this spirit, the city, which has a considerable Muslim presence and a small but centuries-old Jewish community, awarded on Tuesday its highest honor – the Fiorino d’Oro, or Golden Coin – to its archbishop, its chief rabbi and its leading imam. Incidentally, the latter two are an Israeli and a Palestinian, respectively. Archbishop Giuseppe Betori is a very popular figure in Florence, believed to be close to Pope Francis; when the new pontiff was elected last year, the rumor was that Betori would be called to s