Vatican urges Hindus and Christians to work together for peace ahead of Diwali
Ahead of Diwali, the Vatican has called on Hindus and Christians to build peace, mutual respect and understanding through prayer, compassion and dialogue.
The Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has issued a message to Hindus and Christians ahead of Diwali, which many Hindus will celebrate on November 8. The message, titled "Hindus and Christians: Forging pathways of peace together in the spirit of Assisi," says people of different faiths can cooperate despite their differences.
The message marks 40 years since October 27, 1986, when religious leaders gathered in Assisi, Italy, at the invitation of Pope John Paul II to pray for peace. The Vatican said the anniversary offers an opportunity for the two communities to consider how they can work together, especially as wars, conflicts and the use of religion for political purposes remain major challenges.
The message outlines three areas: praying together while respecting one another's traditions, treating everyone with kindness and dignity as brothers and sisters, and engaging in interfaith dialogue. The Dicastery said the more fraternity grows, the more peace will take root.