In the Apostolic Palace, participants from the first meeting between the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Congress of Leaders of Traditional and World Religions met with Pope Francis.
The Pope stressed the importance of respecting diversity in religion, ethnicity and culture and how it plays a role in politics and everyday life.
POPE FRANCIS
Regarding respect for diversity, [it is] an indispensable element of democracy, which must be constantly promoted. The fact that the state is “secular” contributes greatly to harmony.
May your meeting with respect for diversity and with the intention of enriching each other be an example not to see in the other a threat, but a gift and a valuable interlocutor for mutual growth.
Pope Francis also warned against the rhetoric of hate that he said is “back in fashion.” He encouraged the participants to instead focus on promoting peace.
The group was created in Kazakhstan and brings religious, political and cultural leaders together for dialogue.
KG
