Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs: In dialogue and collaboration to renew and to re-ignite hope in our times

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, in collaboration with the Gregorian Centre for Interreligious Studies, the Italian Hinduist Union, the Italian Buddhist Union, the Institute of Jainology and the Sikhi Sewa Society, is organising this one-day conference for Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Italy, at the Pontifical Gregorian University on Wednesday 4 June 2025. The conference aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the believers of these religions in Italy, initiated in 2018, in the spirit of “Nostra Aetate”, the document of the Second Vatican Council that indicated the dialogue of the Catholic Church with the followers of other religions as one of the sure ways to promote love, unity and communion between peoples. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of this very important Church document that upholds the value and importance of interreligious dialogue for peace and harmony. The theme of the Conference is: “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs: in dialogue and collaboration to renew and rekindle hope in our time”. In the context of a growing lack of hope prevailing among a large number of people around the world, there is a great and urgent need to rekindle hope among people in order to build together a better future for each and everyone.

Noi credenti abbiamo un ruolo preminente da svolgere in questo senso, diventando luci per gli altri nei momenti di oscurità e seminando semi di speranza tra le persone per costruire pace, unità e fraternità [cfr. Pope Francis, Message for the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 21 April 2024].