Kuala Lumpur: Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, has cautioned against the misuse of religion as a tool for violence and division. Speaking at the Second International Religious Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, August 28, the senior prelate, a Kralite by origin, underscored the urgent need for faith leaders to foster peace amid global conflicts.
The summit, convened under the theme “The Role of Religious Leaders in Conflict Resolution,” brought together representatives from diverse faith traditions at a time when wars and sectarian strife continue to destabilize nations. Cardinal Koovakad described the theme as “extremely relevant in today’s world,” emphasizing that religious leadership carries the responsibility to confront violence, discrimination, and the underlying causes of conflict.
“Too often, religion is twisted into a weapon used to deepen divides or justify aggression,” he said, warning that even some faith leaders have, directly or indirectly, fanned the flames of unrest. He cited the spread of religious extremism, ethno-religious politics, and radical fundamentalism as troubling examples where sacred traditions have been distorted to serve destructive agendas.
The Cardinal urged religious leaders to resist such misappropriations and instead work to dismantle the “walls of fear, ignorance, and hatred” that perpetuate cycles of conflict. “The future of peace and solidarity depends on our courage to break these barriers,” he stressed.
The summit, organized in collaboration with the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Office and the Muslim World League, aimed at creating common ground for dialogue, reconciliation, and global cooperation among religions.