Cardinal Koovakad: the concept of fraternity is not utopian idea

By Benedetta Capelli 

Discussion and dialogue, exchanging experiences, and moving toward a single goal: being brothers and sisters committed to building and strengthening bonds of fraternity.

This is the meaning of the conference titled, "Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building fraternity through dialogue and collaboration," taking place from today, 23 June, until tomorrow at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

In his greeting, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, one of the organizers of the initiative, stressed that “the concept of fraternity is often considered a utopian idea,” especially at a time when it is “seriously undermined by crimes against humanity, wars, violence, conflicts, divisions, discrimination and hatred in various parts of the world.”

The Cardinal recalled the “Spirit of Assisi,” ahead of the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace called by Saint John Paul II in 1986, and the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis, “the apostle of universal fraternity,” who inspired Pope Francis’ encyclical on human fraternity Fratelli tutti.

Building bridges

Cardinal Koovakad also reflected on the words of Pope Leo XIV on the need to build bridges between believers and people of good will “through dialogue and collaboration.”

For the Pope, the Prefect added, fraternity is “a lived reality, stronger than conflicts, differences, and tensions,” one that turns “cultures, sensitivities, and traditions into an opportunity for mutual enrichment.”

A continent rich in diversity

Referring to Europe, the Prefect noted that it preserves “a cultural and religious heritage that proudly testifies to the flourishing of diverse groups and their integration throughout history,” a history, which he suggested, has been marked by migration, globalization, demographic changes, and a shrinking workforce.

From this, he noted, has emerged a transformation of the continent into “a rich melting pot” of ethnicities, languages, and religious traditions.

This heritage, Cardinal Koovakad continued, must be valued in order to create “an inclusive, cohesive, and harmonious society,” fostering fraternity and friendship in full respect for the dignity of every human being and their rights, “including the right to profess and practice one’s religion.”

Working for the common good

The Cardinal urged those living in Europe and those who have made it their home to work together for the common good, “with the conviction that cultural, religious, and social diversity is a human richness and not a threat.”

“The more we, people of different religious traditions,” Cardinal Koovakad said, “meet and exchange views while respecting the uniqueness of each other’s contexts, traditions, and religions, the more we will grow not only in fraternal love and mutual esteem, but also in our commitment to work and contribute together for the good of all in society.”

Promoting peace

In conclusion, echoing the words of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Koovakad called for joining forces “to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity through dialogue, collaboration, and social friendship.

He stressed that these elements are the "fundamental components for building human fraternity in our time, when the world is more fragmented and polarized than ever.”

The Cardinal Prefect expressed the hope that these days of reflection and exchange will help participants “find ways and means to strengthen mutual relations based on respect, fraternity, solidarity, and trust.”