Representatives of Christianity and Eastern religions gathered in Rome this week to reflect on fraternity and strengthen interreligious dialogue across Europe. The meeting, organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, was held June 23–24 at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, known as the Angelicum. Titled “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity Through Dialogue and Collaboration,” the event brought together prominent religious leaders from Christianity and Dharmic traditions — Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The Vatican described the gathering as an opportunity for mutual listening, learning, and enrichment.
In his opening address, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, said fraternity is often dismissed as “a utopian idea,” especially amid wars and divisions. Turning to Europe, he noted the continent’s “cultural and religious heritage that proudly testifies to the flourishing of heterogeneous groups and their integration throughout history,” shaped by migration, globalization, and demographic change.Cardinal Koovakad called Europe a “rich melting pot” of ethnic groups, languages, and religious traditions. He said that heritage should be valued to create “an inclusive, cohesive, and harmonious society” that respects human dignity and rights, including “the right to profess and practice one’s own religion.”
Participants reflected on the challenges facing contemporary societies and reaffirmed that dialogue and collaboration are essential to foster understanding, solidarity, and hope. They stressed that believers must give credible witness to their moral values and convictions while promoting fraternity. Respecting each tradition, the leaders emphasized mutual respect and cooperation, and committed to fostering a culture of encounter for the common good.The group expressed hope that this collaboration will inspire wider society and contribute to building fraternity and peace in Europe.