Mumbai: In a stirring call for harmony and shared responsibility, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, underscored the unique and irreplaceable role of religions in nurturing peace and reconciliation across the world. The Cardinal was addressing an interfaith assembly in Mumbai titled “Pilgrims of Hope Religions Journeying for Peace,” hosted at Saint Andrew’s Auditorium under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Bombay as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations.
The gathering coincided with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the saint renowned for his message of humility and brotherhood. Opening his address, Cardinal Koovakad described St. Francis as “the saint of fraternal love, simplicity, and joy a true pilgrim of peace who reached out even beyond his faith to sow seeds of dialogue.” The Cardinal remarked that the Franciscan spirit continues to guide the Church’s efforts in interreligious understanding and global solidarity.
Marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate the Second Vatican Council’s groundbreaking declaration on the Church’s relations with non-Christian religions Cardinal Koovakad reflected on its lasting influence. “We rejoice in the immense contribution of this document to the promotion of dialogue among people of different faiths,” he said, emphasizing that its principles of “fraternity, friendship, and unity” still inspire faith communities today.
He recalled Pope Francis’ reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to act as “a font of peace and love,” encouraging believers to recognise the truth and goodness that exist in all faith traditions. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, the Cardinal noted, “Interreligious dialogue is a journey together even with differing images of God toward the same source of divine Light.”
Turning to contemporary realities, the Prefect acknowledged the painful backdrop of global intolerance, discrimination, and conflict. “In an age where divisions often overshadow compassion,” he said, “believers are called to be men and women of hope bringing light to those trapped in despair, especially the poor, the suffering, the persecuted, and the forgotten.”
Cardinal Koovakad affirmed that religions possess spiritual and moral treasures capable of healing humanity’s deepest wounds. Quoting Pope Leo XIII, he said, “Religion, at its core, is not a source of conflict but a wellspring of reconciliation and healing.”
He continued, “Interreligious dialogue allows us to bear witness to a truth that transcends all boundaries that faith unites more than it divides. It strengthens our collective hope for a world rooted in justice, compassion, and peace.”
Concluding his address, the Cardinal urged all present to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace despite the challenges of a divided world. “Dialogue is not an option but a necessity for peace,” he insisted. “Let us continue as pilgrims of hope, builders of bridges, and sowers of goodness wherever we go.”
The Mumbai gathering, attended by religious leaders, scholars, and civic dignitaries, stood as a living testament to the Church’s enduring belief that peace is both a divine calling and a shared human duty one best pursued not in isolation, but through dialogue, mutual respect, and unwavering hope.