Faith Leaders Unite for Peace at Mumbai Gathering

Vatican-based Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, calls interreligious dialogue a “necessary condition for peace”

MUMBAI, Maharashtra (Indian Catholic News) — Leaders from across India’s major religions came together on October 4 at St. Andrew’s College, Mumbai, for “Pilgrims of Hope – Religions Journeying for Peace”, an inter-faith gathering organised by the Inter-religious Dialogue Commission of the Archdiocese of Bombay and the college’s Inter-religious Cell. Held on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi during the Jubilee Year 2025, the event sought to “rise above division, and to embrace shared dreams of peace.”

The programme brought together civic leaders, scholars and peace advocates, with Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, delivering the keynote address. His words were described as “a clarion call for reconciliation through faith,” according to the Archdiocese of Bombay website.

Among the many religious leaders present were retired Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay, Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes of Bombay, retired Auxiliary Bishop Allwyn D’Silva of Bombay; Swami Dayadhipananda of Ramakrishna Mission Hospital; Ervad Dr Parvez M. Bajan of Byculla Fire Temple; Dr Surinder Kaur from the Sikh community; and representatives from ISKCON, Jain, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish traditions.

St. Andrew’s College Principal Dr Sybil Thomas and Managing Trustee Fr Nigel Barrett welcomed participants with floral tributes, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Archbishop Rodrigues urged the audience to become “ambassadors of peace,” calling everyone to walk “the path of understanding with open hearts.”

The cultural segment reflected India’s diversity through music, theatre and dance. Highlights included children performing “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara,” a play on St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, Sikh martial arts, and a Sufi musical presentation. Students of Mumbai University staged Bhaichara, a moving play on brotherhood.

Introducing Cardinal Koovakad, Cardinal Gracias praised his leadership in promoting dialogue. In his keynote, Cardinal Koovakad invoked St. Francis as a “pioneer of inter-religious dialogue” who “sowed seeds of peace.” Marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II Declaration on the Relation of the Church to non-Christian religions, he said, “We rejoice for the tremendous role this document has played in promoting dialogue… inspiring fraternity, friendship, unity and solidarity for the good of humanity.”

Quoting Pope Francis, he called the Holy Spirit a “font of peace and love,” and citing Pope Benedict XVI, described dialogue as a “journey together towards the source of Light.” He urged believers to be “pilgrims of hope, bringing light to the poor, suffering, and marginalised.”

Affirming that religion is a “wellspring of healing and reconciliation,” Cardinal Koovakad said faith “unites more than it divides.” He concluded, “Inter-religious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace,” urging all to be “builders of peace who sow seeds of goodness.”