Pope Leo XIV has urged people of all faiths in Bangladesh to work together in building a culture that sustains peace and growth. His message was delivered at the “Conference on Interreligious Dialogue and Harmony” held in Dhaka from 6 to 12 September.
The pope’s words were read on 9 September by Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, the apostolic nuncio to Bangladesh. A Vatican delegation to the event was led by Cardinal George Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
In his message, Pope Leo said interfaith dialogue is rooted in the belief that humanity shares a common origin and destiny under God. He explained that culture has two meanings: the heritage of arts and traditions, and the nurturing environment that sustains human growth.
He called on faith communities to nurture this growth by providing “the sunlight of truth, the water of charity, and the soil of freedom and justice.” Warning against “weeds of disharmony” that choke peace, he urged religious leaders to continue promoting trust and cooperation.
“Together, as companions in interreligious dialogue, we are like gardeners tending this field of fraternity,” he said.
The pope praised the unity shown in Bangladesh during natural disasters, highlighting how Muslims, Hindus, and Christians worked side by side to provide relief during last year’s devastating floods. The Catholic Church contributed 2.5 million taka (US$20,442) for aid distributed through government channels.
Such efforts, Pope Leo said, build bridges between communities and help society move “from suspicion to trust, from isolation to collaboration.” He affirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and what St John Paul II described as “a civilisation of love.”
Adapted from UCA News.
