Tokyo: In a powerful display of unity and conviction, religious leaders from across the globe convened in Tokyo from July 1 to 3, 2025, for a landmark roundtable on peace and reconciliation. Hosted by the international coalition Religions for Peace, the gathering brought together representatives of the world’s major faith traditions to collectively reject war and advocate for deeper dialogue and collaboration across religious and political spheres.
Delegates included leaders from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Taoism, Confucianism, and various Indigenous and traditional spiritual systems. Many participants hailed from regions currently embroiled in conflict, adding urgency and authenticity to their calls for global peace and cooperation.
Participants unanimously condemned the persistence of war and violence in many parts of the world, while emphasizing the moral responsibility of faith communities to serve as agents of healing, understanding, and nonviolence.
Key themes of the discussions included building trust between religious traditions, fostering reconciliation through shared values, and strengthening partnerships between faith groups and political leaders to support humanitarian efforts and conflict prevention at the grassroots level.
The roundtable also examined structural obstacles to peace, urging religious communities to actively engage with civil society and international organizations in order to reinforce global peacebuilding frameworks.
Luigi De Salvia, president of Religions for Peace Italy, reflected on the spiritual significance of the event. “In a world fractured by war and mistrust, we must become instruments of healing,” he said in a statement to Vatican News. “Just as a patient needs faith in treatment to recover, humanity must believe in peace to truly move forward. This Jubilee Year should be a time of renewal and hope.”
De Salvia expressed his hope that the Tokyo gathering would catalyze a fresh mindset—one rooted in dialogue, understanding, and proactive collaboration. “We are seeking more than discussion; we are striving for a reaffirmation of faith-driven commitment to end cycles of violence.”
While the roundtable addressed broad global themes, special attention was given to specific conflict zones such as Ukraine, Myanmar, and the Gaza Strip regions suffering immense humanitarian crises. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon and coordinator for Religions for Peace in Myanmar, participated in the dialogue, highlighting the ongoing suffering in his homeland. De Salvia confirmed that a future international meeting would be dedicated entirely to raising awareness about the crisis in Myanmar.
Founded in 1970 in Kyoto, Religions for Peace has long been a pioneering force in multifaith collaboration for peace and justice. With a presence in more than 90 countries, the organization operates across all continents, mediating in conflict zones, delivering humanitarian aid, and building sustainable peace through interfaith partnerships.
The Tokyo roundtable served as a vital continuation of that mission, providing a unique platform where religious and political leaders could forge new alliances and share strategies for confronting the world's most pressing challenges through dialogue, not division.
As the world watches and waits for signs of reconciliation, gatherings like this remind us that amid global chaos, faith continues to offer a common ground for hope, courage, and a future free of war.