In a powerful testament to the unifying potential of spiritual collaboration, Ethiopia played host to the 3rd World Interfaith Harmony Week in its capital, Addis Ababa. The international forum convened faith leaders from across continents to confront global challenges—ranging from peace and climate equity to religious liberty—through the lens of interfaith solidarity. A prominent Catholic representation marked the occasion, echoing a shared call for moral leadership in turbulent times.
At the heart of the gathering was the timeless principle of the “Golden Rule”—to treat others as one wishes to be treated—and the African ethos of “ubuntu,” which underscores shared humanity and collective well-being. These values served as the philosophical cornerstone of the conference, reinforcing spiritual interconnectedness across traditions.
The event unfolded against the backdrop of the African Union’s new G20 membership, offering a timely context for aligning faith-driven dialogue with geopolitical milestones. Held at the Hilton International Hotel, the forum bore the theme: “Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s 2025 G20 Summit.”
Spearheaded by the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia in partnership with the African Union and the United Religions Initiative, the forum spotlighted religion’s capacity to catalyze inclusive development and sustainable peace throughout the continent.
Dignitaries including Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Bishop Tesfasellassie Medhin of Adigrat stood alongside religious dignitaries of multiple creeds. The President of Ethiopia described the forum as a significant step toward justice and national reconciliation, expressing hope that its outcomes would enrich Ethiopia’s ongoing dialogue for peace.
Deliberations traversed a wide array of critical subjects: the faith community’s input into Africa’s G20 agenda, ecological justice, women’s empowerment, anti-trafficking efforts, and interreligious cooperation in building enduring peace. The right to believe freely, the sanctity of human dignity, and resistance to hate, xenophobia, and corruption also featured prominently in the discourse.
Bishop Medhin emphasized the strategic role of spiritual leaders, whose grassroots engagement equips them to mediate peace and nurture communal healing. Their enduring presence in the lives of believers, he noted, uniquely positions them to sow reconciliation and hope.
The Catholic Church played a visible and vocal role throughout the week. Clergy, religious sisters, and lay leaders contributed meaningfully to panel discussions, articulating a Catholic commitment to global justice and human dignity. Their interventions echoed foundational Catholic teachings on peace, stewardship of creation, and social equity.
This year's forum harmonized with broader Catholic milestones, including the ongoing Jubilee Year themed “Pilgrims of Hope” and the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. These moments underscore the Church’s enduring mission to engage the modern world and build bridges across faith divides.
The legacy of Pope Francis, particularly his encyclical Fratelli tutti, loomed large throughout the proceedings. The document’s call for universal fraternity and interreligious cooperation was frequently cited as a blueprint for shared spiritual responsibility in a fractured world.
Amid growing global polarization, the conference reaffirmed the transformative power of interfaith partnerships in shaping Africa’s future—one rooted in shared values and moral purpose. The Golden Rule, invoked repeatedly as a universal code of empathy, remains a bedrock for dialogue and peacebuilding.
As the conference concluded, participants observed a moment of silence to honor Pope Francis, celebrating his enduring legacy as a voice for the voiceless, a steward of creation, and a tireless proponent of unity among faiths.