Religious Leaders and Parliamentarians Unite for Peace in Rome

The Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue emphasizes the critical need for collaboration between religious leaders and parliamentarians in navigating  escalating conflicts, climate crises, and humanitarian challenges.

Rome, Italy – In a pivotal gathering aimed at fostering global harmony and addressing pressing contemporary challenges, Religions for Peace actively participated in the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue. The conference, titled “Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future,” was held in Rome from June 19-21, organized by the Italian Parliament in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace, delivered opening remarks at the conference, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between religious leaders and parliamentarians in navigating a world facing escalating conflicts, climate crises, and unprecedented humanitarian challenges. Dr. Kuria highlighted the extensive work of Religions for Peace over five decades in bringing together diverse religious leaders and communities to champion peace and engage with parliamentary bodies to strengthen governance and faith-based initiatives.

“Our world is in a dire place,” Dr. Kuria stated, “engulfed in more wars, and woefully behind in meeting the global targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. Rising violent conflict, unprecedented numbers of refugees and forced migrants, the rise of climate disasters, and the imminent danger of nuclear war have all put humanity and our planet in grave danger.” Dr. Kuria stressed that despite working in different spheres, both religious leaders and parliamentarians share a common goal: to create a “shared sacred flourishing for all.” He called for a shift “from consultation to co-creation, from working in parallel to true partnership, and from transactional relationships to transformational solidarity.”

Deepika Singh, Deputy Secretary General of Religions for Peace, further contributed to the discussions by moderating a roundtable session on “Promoting peaceful coexistence.” During her intervention, Ms. Singh stated: “Religious leaders and parliamentarians each hold unique and powerful roles in society. When they work in partnerships across faiths, sectors, and political divides, they can help weave stronger social ties, grounded in shared values of compassion, dignity, and justice.”

A highlight of the conference was the private audience granted by Pope Leo XIV to the participants at the Vatican on June 21. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the parliamentarians’ responsibility to promote and protect the common good, particularly by defending the vulnerable and the marginalized. Pope Leo XIV also highlighted the enduring relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, stating that it “can contribute greatly to placing the human person, in his or her inviolable integrity, at the foundation of the quest for truth.”

Speaking on religious freedom and interreligious dialogue, the Pope acknowledged its growing significance and encouraged political life to foster conditions for “authentic religious freedom and that a respectful and constructive encounter between different religious communities may develop.” He affirmed that “belief in God, with the positive values that derive from it, is an immense source of goodness and truth for the lives of individuals and communities.”

The significant presence of Religions for Peace was further underscored by the active participation of several distinguished religious leaders belonging to its global network. Among those present were Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs for the American Jewish Committee, Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, Bishop Emeritus, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land; Imam Yahyâ S. Y. Pallavicini, Chairman of the European Muslim Leaders’ Majlis (EULEMA); Elias Szczytnicki, Secretary General & Regional Director Religions for Peace Latin America and the Caribbean; Bhai Sahib Mohindra Singh, Chairman of the Nishkam Centre; priestess Beatriz Schulthess, President Indigenous Peoples Ancestral Spiritual Council, Imam Dr. Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi, Director-General and Chief Imam, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society.

News related: Interfaith Dialogue Architect of Common Good