The practice of interreligious dialogue has deep roots in Asia, as demonstrated once again on November 30 when Pope Francis welcomed participants of a significant meeting promoted by the Indian foundation Sree Narayana Guru to the Vatican. This foundation carries forward the vision of the influential Hindu leader Sree Narayana Guru, who, over a century ago, initiated the gathering of diverse religious representatives at his ashram in India. The landmark conference, first organized in 1923 during a period of severe religious tension in Kerala, has since become an annual tradition. To commemorate the centenary of this initiative, the meeting was brought to the Vatican in collaboration with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
This event served as a moment to reflect on the remarkable life of Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928), a revered Hindu figure who devoted himself to the fight against caste discrimination. In 1925, Mahatma Gandhi visited Guru’s ashram and was deeply moved by its inclusive environment, where Dalit children studied sacred texts like the Upanishads alongside others. Inspired by this experience, Gandhi integrated caste reform into his political ideology.
During his address to the interreligious assembly, Pope Francis praised the profound relevance of Sree Narayana Guru’s principles to contemporary global challenges. “Sree Narayana Guru,” he stated, “dedicated his life to promoting social and religious redemption with his clear message that all human beings, regardless of their ethnicity or religious and cultural traditions, are members of the one human family.” The Pope underscored Guru’s insistence on eliminating all forms of discrimination, a stance he deemed especially vital in a world increasingly plagued by intolerance and hatred.
The Pope elaborated on the widespread suffering caused by ethnic, social, racial, linguistic, and religious prejudices, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable populations. He emphasized the pressing need to combat these divides, stating, “His message is very apt for our world today, where we see increasing instances of intolerance and hatred between peoples and nations. Unfortunately, manifestations of discrimination and exclusion, tensions and violence… are a daily experience for many people and communities, especially among the poor, the defenceless, and those who have no voice.”
Pope Francis drew parallels between Sree Narayana Guru’s ideals and two significant interfaith documents he has championed: the Abu Dhabi Document of 2019 and the Istiqlal Declaration, signed during his visit to Indonesia in September 2023. Both agreements emphasize the importance of fraternity in interreligious dialogue, a theme that resonates with Guru’s teachings.
“All religions,” the Pope remarked, “teach the fundamental truth that, as children of the one God, we must love and honour one another, respect diversity and differences in a spirit of fraternity and inclusion, taking care of one another and of the earth, our common home.” He cautioned against ignoring these noble teachings, suggesting that such neglect contributes to the world’s current instability.
In urging a renewed commitment to living out the values espoused by religious traditions, Pope Francis highlighted the transformative power of fostering fraternal and amicable relations. He stressed the necessity of unity in diversity and harmonious coexistence, emphasizing the role of peacemaking amid today’s challenges. “Our contemporaries,” he said, “will rediscover the value of the lofty teachings of religious traditions only if we all strive to live them and to cultivate fraternal and friendly relations with all, for the sole purpose of strengthening unity in diversity, ensuring harmonious coexistence among differences and being peacemakers, despite the difficulties and challenges we face.”
Concluding his address, the Pope called for a collective effort to counteract harmful societal trends such as individualism, exclusion, indifference, and violence. “In this way,” he stated, “we can contribute to defeating the culture of individualism, exclusion, indifference, and violence that is unfortunately spreading.”
The commemoration of Sree Narayana Guru’s work at the Vatican symbolizes the enduring significance of his vision for interreligious harmony. It also reflects Pope Francis’s commitment to fostering dialogue and fraternity among religions in pursuit of a more united and compassionate world.
