Cardinal Koovakad defends Catholic dialogue with other religions as global tensions rise

EWTN News, Sep 23, 2025 / 10:35 am (CNA).

Interreligious dialogue is not a compromise of Catholic identity but a necessary path forward in a divided and darkening world, said Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, the new prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. 

In an interview with EWTN News conducted during the Eighth Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held Sept. 19–20 in Kazakhstan, the Indian cardinal defended the Church’s diplomatic outreach across religious lines as an expression of faith, not its dilution.

“Interreligious dialogue means building up relations. Without relationships, we cannot move ahead,” he said. “We have to really know what they believe and share our concerns. Otherwise, we take the opinion of other people and think that they are like that — we already give a label. No, it is not like that.”

He warned against reducing other religions to stereotypes based on artificial intelligence or online commentary, urging a return to face-to-face understanding rooted in trust.

“When we, as religious persons, come into contact with other people, it is also a moment to explain our faith. So it encourages us to learn and also to grow in our own faith.”

The cardinal’s comments come at a time of mounting global tensions, including armed conflicts and renewed geopolitical rifts. The Kazakhstan gathering — attended by religious and political leaders — was, in Koovakad’s view, a timely initiative.

“After the pandemic, we thought life would be peaceful and calm, but things did not turn out like that,” he said. “There are different types of challenges, especially regarding conflicts, wars, trade wars, and humanity itself seems to be moving towards some type of darkness.”

“Only through dialogue, only by walking together, can we bring some hope, some light into day-to-day life.”

Reading the declaration

In a notable moment during the summit, Koovakad was invited by the Kazakh government to read the final declaration — a gesture of respect for the Holy See’s moral authority.

“With a few amendments, we arrived at a good statement, which carries an important message,” he said. “Even just speaking together about terrorism, about standing against violence — these things are important.”

“We, the people who believe in God, are the majority in the world. But too often we are silent, or we are divided. So, it is important that we come together.”

New roles, familiar mission 

The congress marked Koovakad’s first major engagement in his new role, to which he was appointed by Pope Francis earlier this year. At the same time, it was also one of the first major international missions under the new Holy Father. Yet he emphasized continuity with Pope Francis’ emphasis on dialogue.

“The new Holy Father began his pontificate by repeating the words of Jesus: ‘Peace be with you.’ His heart is for peace, and His Holiness is very much concerned about the conflicts and wars in the world.”

“So I felt that, in some way, His Holiness and myself are the fruit of Pope Francis’ love for dialogue and peace.”

Ecumenical encounters 

On the sidelines of the congress, Koovakad met privately with Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill — encounters he described as unexpected but deeply meaningful.

“It was a surprise for me that there was interest to meet — not me as a person, but their interest in the Catholic Church and in the Holy Father,” he said.

“That was very, very touching and interesting… It was a very fruitful moment of fraternity, and also a chance to convey greetings from the Holy Father… In return, they asked me to convey their greetings and prayers to the Holy Father as well.”

Prayer as path forward 

Reflecting on the congress’ broader significance, Koovakad appealed to Catholics to pray — not only for peace but also for a deeper conversion of heart.

“When conflicts and other problems are happening, those who are suffering are the poor, women, and children,” he said. “So it is not an option — if we believe in God, it is a must, it is indispensable that we talk and resolve the conflicts.”

“I request each one of you, especially the audience of EWTN, to pray for peace and for the conversion of hearts, which alone can change this world.”

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/266715/cardinal-koovakad-defends-catholic-dialogue-with-other-religions-as-global-tensions-rise