Cardinal Koovakad Calls Fraternity a Lived Reality for Peace and Unity

Vatican City, June 24, 2026: Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad rejected the notion that fraternity is merely an idealistic dream, insisting that it remains a lived reality in a world increasingly marked by conflict, division and hatred.

Addressing an international conference titled “Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration” at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas on June 23-24, the Cardinal highlighted the need for dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different faith traditions.

“The concept of fraternity is often considered a utopian idea,” Cardinal Koovakad observed, noting that the ideal is being challenged by wars, violence, discrimination, social divisions and crimes against humanity witnessed across the world today.

Reflecting on the upcoming 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace convened by Saint John Paul II and the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Cardinal recalled the enduring “Spirit of Assisi” that continues to inspire interreligious dialogue. He also pointed to the influence of Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti, rooted in the saint’s vision of universal fraternity.

Cardinal Koovakad further highlighted Pope Leo XIV’s call for believers and people of goodwill to build bridges through dialogue and collaboration. He said the Pope views fraternity as “a lived reality, stronger than conflicts, differences, and tensions,” capable of transforming cultural and religious diversity into opportunities for mutual enrichment.

Speaking about Europe’s evolving social landscape, the Cardinal described the continent as “a rich melting pot” of peoples, languages and faith traditions shaped by migration, globalisation and demographic change. He stressed that this diversity should be valued in building inclusive and harmonious societies that respect the dignity and fundamental rights of every person, including religious freedom.

Calling for a shared commitment to the common good, Cardinal Koovakad urged both Europeans and newcomers to work together with the conviction that cultural, religious and social diversity is “a human richness and not a threat.”

“The more we meet and exchange views while respecting one another’s traditions and beliefs, the more we grow in fraternity and strengthen our commitment to work and contribute together for the good of all in society,” he said.

Concluding his address, the Cardinal echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call to promote peace, justice and human fraternity through dialogue, collaboration and social friendship. He described these values as essential for addressing the fragmentation and polarisation that characterise the modern world.

Expressing hope for the conference, Cardinal Koovakad said the gathering would help participants deepen relationships founded on respect, solidarity, trust and fraternity, while finding ways to strengthen cooperation among different religious communities.

Courtesy: Vatican News