- 12 October, 2025
Vatican City, October 12, 2025: The Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has extended warm greetings to Hindus around the world celebrating the festival of Deepavali, urging both Hindus and Christians to work together in fostering peace and harmony in society.
“As believers rooted in our respective faith traditions, and as people united by shared values and a common concern for peace, may we – Hindus and Christians, together with those of other religions and all people of goodwill – join hands in both small and great ways to nurture peace in our homes, communities and societies,” the message stated.
This year, Deepavali, or Diwali, will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October. The Vatican’s annual message was themed “Hindus and Christians: Building world peace through dialogue and collaboration in the spirit of Nostra Aetate.” It was signed by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery, and Msgr Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, its Secretary.
A Festival of Light and Hope
Deepavali, derived from the Sanskrit term meaning “row of oil lamps,” is among Hinduism’s most important feasts, celebrating the victory of light over darkness, truth over falsehood, and good over evil.
The Vatican leaders opened their message with a heartfelt wish that the festival “brighten your lives and bring happiness, unity and peace to your families and communities.”
They also noted that the eighth day after Deepavali will mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (28 October 1965), the landmark Catholic document that encouraged interreligious dialogue and collaboration.
Renewing Commitment to Dialogue
Cardinal Koovakad emphasised that this diamond jubilee offers a timely opportunity to renew the Church’s commitment to interreligious dialogue as a means to peace. “During this festive season, we invite you to reflect on how Christians and Hindus, together with people of all faiths and goodwill, can strengthen our shared efforts for peace through dialogue and collaboration in the spirit of Nostra Aetate,” he said.
This dialogue, he added, is rooted in promoting unity and love among people and nations by focusing on what unites rather than divides.
Building Bridges Amid Division
While acknowledging significant progress since Nostra Aetate, the Vatican officials said much more remains to be done. “In today’s world, where mistrust, polarisation, tensions and divisions are on the rise, interreligious dialogue is more necessary than ever. It must continue to sow seeds of unity and harmony, becoming a beacon of hope for all.”
Recalling Pope Leo XIV’s appeal to build bridges, they affirmed that interreligious understanding must become a natural way of living together.
Peace: A Shared Responsibility
The message reiterated Pope Leo’s reminder that nurturing a culture of dialogue and peace is “a task entrusted to all, believers and non-believers alike,” founded on truth, justice, love, and freedom. Families, they noted, are the primary educators in these values, while religious leaders, educational institutions, and the media share a duty to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Concluding the message, the Vatican invited Christians and Hindus once again “to join hands in both small and great ways to nurture peace in our homes, communities and societies.”
By Vatican News
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