10th Geneva Interfaith Dialogue

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

At the outset, allow me to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR, to His Excellency Mr. Akram Sa'ud Harahsheh, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Jordan to the United Nations in Geneva, and to all the participants in this Annual Interfaith Dialogue.

It is an honour and a privilege for me to join you as we gather for the 10^th time as people of diverse faith traditions with a common interest: that through sincere dialogue, the richness of our beliefs might have a positive impact on the world in which we live.

The diplomacy of the Holy See, grounded in the defence of the God-given dignity inherent in each one of us and directed towards the integral development of all human beings, continues today to stand in the service of peaceful human coexistence. If dignity is the source and peace and development – as two sides of the same coin – are the goals, dialogue is an essential means. Even in the midst of the most difficult and tenuous situations, it is dialogue that opens pathways to peace and development.[1]

Thus, a key and vital component of the cultural diplomacy of the Holy See is the outreach to wider communities and their constituencies, which form the precious and invaluable warp and weft of the social fabric. Maintaining this bond between the “centre” of the Church and its “peripheries” helps building a culture of encounter: through dialogue we discover that beyond our differences, something greater unites us.

In this regard, the Catholic Church has long been committed to outreach efforts that extend beyond its own faithful to embrace the wider public in several areas.

Firstly, Catholic educational institutions, from schools to universities, have historically been spaces where individuals come together, dialogue is encouraged, and mutual understanding is cultivated. In this regard, the Holy See, through the tireless efforts of the many Catholic educational institutions, has worked to ensure access to a quality education consonant with the dignity of the human person and our common vocation to fraternity.[2] This is exemplified by various initiatives of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, the promotion of “service-learning” to integrate community service into academic programs, and by the launch of the Global Compact on Education.

Secondly, the Church’s global network of charitable organizations works tirelessly to address the needs of populations in humanitarian emergencies. In conflict zones, disaster-stricken areas, and regions of extreme poverty, Catholic organizations often partner with other faith-based groups to provide relief and advocate for justice.

Thirdly, the Holy See’s promotion of art and culture serves as a powerful medium for dialogue. The Vatican City – as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is itself a symbol that celebrates the universal language of beauty which transcends boundaries.

In addition, the Catholic Church plays a significant role in global healthcare, operating an extensive network of facilities dedicated to medical care and social services. Even before the pandemic, there were over 20.000 Church-affiliated health facilities and almost 90.000 social protection facilities, including orphanages, nurseries, special centres for social education, and homes for the old, chronically ill, and invalid[3], who are often victims of what Pope Francis has deemed “a throwaway culture.”

Finally, the Holy See has been actively involved with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers though a variety of services and initiatives worldwide. Catholic institutions are at the forefront of providing resettlement services and offering comprehensive support in navigating life in their new communities.

Building a culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence might give the impression of requiring – in the words of the Egyptian Dominican Georges Anawati – a “geological patience.” But we should not be tempted to think of peace as a fait accompli. Rather, it is a continued endeavour that should be constantly built by all men of good will. It is in this spirit that Pope Francis, through many symbolic actions towards dialogue and his numerous apostolic journeys, has proven that “meeting one another in fraternal friendship is a powerful sign, one that shows the harmony which religions can build together, based on personal relations and on the good will of those responsible.”[4]

Thank you.