The Vatican sent an official message of congratulations to Hindus in honor of the Hindu festival of Diwali

The Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue issued an official message to followers of Hinduism, congratulating them on the festival of Diwali. Catholic Church leaders emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue and invited Hindus to join forces to achieve peace and foster “universal brotherhood.”

In their message, Vatican representatives noted the profound symbolism of the Diwali festival, which embodies the triumph of truth over falsehood, light over darkness, and good over evil. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the historic prayer meeting in Assisi, organized by Pope John Paul II in 1986, the Vatican called on believers of different traditions to follow the “spirit of Assisi.”

Cardinal George Jacob Kuvakad, Prefect of the Dicastery, and Monsignor Indunil Janakarathne Kodituwakku Kankanamalage, Secretary, identified three key areas for further cooperation: joint prayer for peace, strengthening fraternal bonds, and deepening interreligious dialogue. The document specifically emphasizes that “true prayer overcomes differences,” and that any manifestation of violence is a direct contradiction of the essence of religious faith.