The Importance of Interreligious Dialogue: Insights from Pope Francis
In his address at the “All Religions’ Conference,” Pope Francis emphasized the value of dialogue in a global context marked by “intolerance and hatred.” He highlighted how discrimination, based on differences, has become a daily experience for many, and suggested that addressing these issues requires recognizing the shared spiritual truths and values among different faiths.
By Edoardo Giribaldi – Vatican City
Pope Francis urged for interreligious dialogue through shared spiritual truths and values. In his speech on November 30th to the participants of the centenary conference of the first “All Religions’ Conference,” organized by the “Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust,” the Pope celebrated the legacy of its founder, Sree Narayana Guru.
READ THE FULL SPEECH BY POPE FRANCIS
The Social Reform of Sree Narayana Guru
Sree Narayana Guru, a Hindu spiritual leader and social reformer, dedicated his life to promoting social and religious upliftment. By challenging the caste system, he advocated for the belief that all human beings, regardless of their ethnicity or religious traditions, are members of the same human family.
He emphasized that there should be no discrimination against anyone, in any way or form.
“Religions Together for a Better Humanity”
A message that resonates a century later in the “conference of all religions,” supported by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The theme of the gathering, “Religions Together for a Better Humanity,” is described by the Pope as “truly relevant and significant for our times.”
Discrimination and Violence: A Daily Experience for Many
Pope Francis pointed out that the world today is witnessing a rise in intolerance and hatred among peoples and nations. Discrimination, exclusion, tensions, and violence based on differences in ethnicity, social status, race, color, language, and religion have become a daily experience for many individuals and communities.
Especially among the poor, the defenseless, and those without a voice.
Humans as “Equal” and “Brothers”
The Pontiff recalled the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, signed during his Apostolic Journey in February 2019 to the United Arab Emirates with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb. The document asserts that God created all human beings equal in rights, duties, and dignity, calling them to live as brothers and sisters in harmony.
“Love and Honor Each Other”: A Common Truth Among Religions
A fundamental truth shared by all religions, according to Pope Francis, is the teaching that as children of the same God, we should love and honor one another, respect differences and diversity in a spirit of fraternity and inclusion, and care for each other and the Earth, our common home.
Cultivating Harmony “Among Differences”
If ignoring these teachings is causing turmoil in the world, their rediscovery will only be possible “if we all strive to live them and cultivate brotherly and friendly relationships with everyone, with the sole purpose of strengthening unity in diversity, ensuring harmonious coexistence among differences, and being agents of peace, despite the difficulties and challenges we must face,” explained the Pope.
Cooperation Against Individualism
Francis expressed hope for cooperation among all “people of goodwill” to promote a culture of respect, dignity, compassion, reconciliation, and fraternal solidarity. This message, as seen in the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal last September, serves as an antidote to the values of individualism, exclusion, indifference, and violence.
Together, “Rooted” in Their Beliefs
By drawing on their common traits, the representatives of different religions can “walk and work together to build a better humanity,” each remaining firmly rooted in their religious beliefs and convictions.
