Pope Francis has underscored the need for religious leaders to have a solid bond of friendship to confront various challenges, affirming that ecumenical and inter religious dialogue is not a luxury.
The pontiff, who held an inter-religious meeting with various religious leaders in the country yesterday before he proceed to celebrate a public mass, urged them to work together.
“To be honest, this relationship is challenging; it makes demands of us. Yet ecumenical and interreligious dialogue is not a luxury. It is not something extra or optional, but essential, something, which our world, wounded by conflict and division, increasingly needs,“ said the global Head of the Catholic church.
He disclosed that as the catholic church marks the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council this year, at which the Catholic Church committed herself to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue in the service of understanding and friendship, it is important for leaders to foster good working relation.
“I wish to reaffirm this commitment, which is born of our conviction of the universality of God’s love and the salvation which he offers to all. The world rightly expects believers to work together with people of good will in facing the many problems affecting our human family,” he beseeched the leaders.
Papa Francis in his address, remained hopeful that by leaders coming together, it should signify a sign of the Church’s esteem for the followers of all religions and strengthen the ties, as is already enjoyed in Kenya.
“Indeed, religious beliefs and practice condition who we are and how we understand the world around us. They are for us a source of enlightenment, wisdom and solidarity, and thus enrich the societies in which we live,” he urged.
He emphasised, “By caring for the spiritual growth of our communities, by forming minds and hearts in the truths and values taught by our religious traditions, we become a blessing to the communities in which our people live.”
In recognising that Kenya is a democratic and pluralistic society, the Head of the Vatican State called for cooperation between religious leaders and communities, stressing that doing so becomes an important service to the common good.
“In this light, and in an increasingly interdependent world, we see ever more clearly the need for interreligious understanding, friendship and collaboration in defending the God-given dignity of individuals and peoples, and their right to live in freedom and happiness, “ he stated.
He affirmed the importance of upholding human dignity as enshrined in the Bill of rights and the role of the church in ensuring compliance.
“By upholding respect for that dignity and those rights, the religions play an essential role in forming consciences, instilling in the young the profound spiritual values of our respective traditions, and training good citizens, capable of infusing civil society with honesty, integrity and a world view which values the human person over power and material gain,” he stated.
The issue of peace also featured during the meeting as his Holiness stress on the need for citizens to remain united.
“Here I think of the importance of our common conviction that the God whom we seek to serve is a God of peace. His holy Name must never be used to justify hatred and violence,” he cautioned.
The pontiff expressed concern over increased terror activities globally and condemned the acts.
He also sympathised with Kenya, which has suffered major blows as a result of extremist activities.
“I know that the barbarous attacks on Westgate Mall, Garissa University College and Mandera are fresh in your minds. All too often, young people are being radicalized in the name of religion to sow discord and fear, and to tear at the very fabric of our societies, “ he regretted to noted that the extremists are targeting the young people to recruit.
He appealed to religious leaders to take the lead in preaching against these acts and instead call for peace and cohension.
“How important it is that we be seen as prophets of peace, peacemakers who invite others to live in peace, harmony and mutual respect! May the Almighty touch the hearts of those who engage in this violence, and grant his peace to our families and communities,” he stated.
He appealed, “As we look to the future, let us pray that all men and women will see themselves as brothers and sisters, peacefully united in and through our differences. Let us pray for peace!
He applauded their meeting, the Pope reiterated, “It is always important to me that, when I come to visit the Catholic faithful of a local Church, I have an occasion to meet the leaders of other Christian communities and religious traditions.”
