For over 30 years the Institute of Jainology (IOJ) and the Vatican have had good relations with many visits and joint activities to promote awareness and inter-faith dialogue. This year, after a break for COVID, the IOJ led its 4th international delegation to the Vatican with delegates, totalling 37, from the UK, America, Middle East and India. The visit to the Vatican from 24 to 26 November 2024, were for meetings and discussions focusing on the general theme of – Christians and Jains: To build a better future by:
- embracing diversity and inclusivity
- caring for the earth, the poor and the most vulnerable
This is an important topic at a time of environmental crisis, mass poverty and two major wars.
Papers giving the Jain perspective on above were presented at the meeting.
This meeting is part of the decades-old and “growing dialogue” and co-operation between Jains and Christians, promoted by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (DID) and IOJ, working together on ways to build a better future for our world.
Please see Report on IOJ Website: Jain-Catholic Dialogue
This year, the respective delegations were led by Msgr. Indunil Kodithuwakku, Secretary of the DID, and Dr. Mehool H Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of IOJ.
During the conference, the delegates discussed the ‘Jain principles of ‘Anekantvada’ (non-absolutism) and ‘Ahimsa’(non-violence) and the Christian concepts of “compassion”, ‘inclusion’ and “justice” as guiding principles to make the world more inclusive, just and peaceful. They also stressed the need to make the Earth liveable and peaceful for all by responsible stewardship of the natural world, and by caring for all forms of life, and the earth.’
They jointly called for urgent action on climate and human suffering.
At end of the discussions, a joint communiqué was agreed upon and issued by the Vatican. The Vatican Communiqué.
Vatican Visit 24 – 26 November.
Sunday 24 November
After arrival from around the world, an Introductory meeting of all the delegates was held in the evening.
Monday 25 November
The highlight of the Vatican visit and a memory to treasure for life for all the Jain delegates was an unprecedented private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis which is normally only accorded to Heads of State. The delegates were truly humbled as His Holiness Pope Francis met with each delegate individually for a few minutes. For the Jain delegates, this was a spiritually uplifting, humbling and ‘once in a lifetime’ experience and acknowledged the Pope’s remarkable warmth, humility, and deep spiritual presence.
The IOJ Board members (Mr AJay Punatar, Mr. Amit Lathia, Dr. Mehool Sanghrajka & Mr. Dilip Shah) presented the Pope with marble sculpture of the Jain Aum symbol. Please see above feature photo.
During the audience, Pope Francis highlighted the urgent need to address issues such as care for the poor and environmental stewardship, stressing that these shared responsibilities are vital in today’s world. He described how many of the modern-day problems society grapples with are due to individualism and indifference that lead to disregarding the dignity and rights of others, “especially in multicultural settings.” He called for courage “to continue spreading hope” and efforts to promote universal fraternity where every person of good will “can spread love and help others in need, while at the same time respecting their differences.”
The Pope concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude for the delegation’s efforts, calling their collaborative approach an inspiration for humanity’s collective mission to care for one another and the Earth.
Address By the His Holiness Pope Francis to the International Jain Delegation
Following the audience with Pope, and after lunch, the delegates enjoyed a ‘VIP’ tour of the Vatican which included the magnificent Sistine Chapel (with the works of Michealangelo and Raphael), the crypt which houses the tombs of Popes, church leaders, and other important figures from Rome’s history and the stunning St Peter’s Basilica.
Tuesday 26 November
Conference in the offices of the Dicastery, held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship.
Cardinal Ayuso, the Prefect (head) of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue had sadly passed away on Monday 25 November 2024. The meeting commenced with a minute of silence, in prayer, as a mark of respect, appreciation and gratitude to the late Cardinal Miguel Ayuso for his invaluable contribution to fostering interreligious dialogue between Jains and Christians.
Dr Mehool H Sanghrajka (IOJ), on behalf of the Jain delegation offered the Dicastery its sincere condolences on the passing of Cardinal Ayuso. He led many dialogue sessions between the Jains and Catholics, and always in the spirit of understanding and friendship. May his soul find eternal peace.
Following recitation of Jain & Christian prayers, opening remarks were made by Msgr. Indunil Kodithuwakku (DID) and Dr Mehool H Sanghrajka, (IOJ) who acknowledged the warm welcome received on this visit from Father Santiago and other members of the Dicastery. He also stated that as shall be borne out in the discussions today “His Holinesses’ comments that ‘all humans are created equal…and should live together as brothers and sisters’, is also the Jain belief in the inclusivity and tolerance that comes from an acceptance of others with differing beliefs and viewpoints.”
Both highlighted the role played by Mr Nemu Chandaria, OBE and Late Dr Harshad Sanghrajka, MBE who have been the ‘Jain faces of Jain – Christian dialogue promoted by the Dicastery for many years.’
Scholarly papers were presented by distinguished speakers on the two sub themes, from a Jain and Christian perspective.
Sub-theme 1: By embracing diversity and inclusivity:
Dr Marie-Hélène Gorisse, Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies, University of Birmingham – A Jain Perspective
Prof. Gaetano Sabeta, Faculty of Missiology, Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome- A Christian Perspective
Sub-theme 2: By caring for the earth, the poor and the most vulnerable:
Samani Amal Pragya, Associate Professor, Department of Jainology and Comparative. Religion & Philosophy, Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (Deemed University) – A Jain Perspective
Prof. Ambrogio Bongiovanni, Director, Centre for Interreligious Studies Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome – A Christian Perspective
These presentations were followed by effective, profound and discerning discussions around these topics in which the participants identified concrete areas of convergence, and resolved to do their bit, individually and collectively, to contribute to harmonizing differences in the society, respecting diversity as ‘a gift of God’ for humanity.
Rajeev Shah, Founder of JainTreasures and Trustee of Jain Vishva Bharati London, in his closing remarks emphasized the profound similarities between Christianity and Jainism. He highlighted how these shared values can inspire mutual dialogue and promote a shared commitment to global peace, diversity, and inclusivity.
In his opening remarks, Msgr. Indunil Kodithuwakku had stated that ‘meetings and mutual exchanges such as this, between religious traditions can enhance awareness and understanding, fostering a common path for collective action. These exchanges can enrich our understanding of each other’s teachings and the noble things we learn from other traditions, ultimately contributing to a harmonious and peaceful world through responsibility, inclusivity, and fraternity.’ This Vatican visit by the Jain delegation had certainly succeeded in this and testament to the work done by the team at the institute of Jainology in preparation for this visit and meetings.
A by-product of the three-day trip was the building of relationships with the leaders of the other Jain organisations.
Please take time to read the interesting and insightful PDFs included in this article.
Press Coverage
- Pope meets with Jains, encourages common efforts for solidarity and peace
- Seeds of hope to foster humanity
- Audience with an International Jain Delegation
- To the International Jain Delegation – Activities of the Holy Father Pope France | Vatican.va
Posted By: Kishor B Shah
On 02 December 2024
Images 1-5 (Photo Gallery) – Care of Vatican Media
