Messages from the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue to the Christian and Hindu community, on the occasion of the celebration of “Deepavali” on 31 October 2024



Hindus and Christians: 

Promoting harmony amidst diversity and despite differences


The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, in its mission to foster relations with members and groups of different religions, published its annual message addressed to the Hindu community on the occasion of its celebration of "Deepavali", the festival of lights, on 31 October.

The message expresses the wish for light, grace and happiness for all families and communities that celebrate this festival of lights. It also highlights the great contribution that dialogue between different religious denominations makes to the benefit of social harmony, which can only be possible through the promotion of principles such as empathy, sensitivity and respect, which reveal paths of unity and peace within cultural and religious diversity.

As believers grounded in our own respective religious traditions and as persons with a shared commitment to strengthening harmonious coexistence in society, may we, Christians and Hindus, join hands with the people of other religious traditions and with people of good will, do all that we can to promote harmony amidst diversity and despite differences "with a sense of responsibility and in a spirit of fraternity and inclusiveness" (Pope Francis, Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps, Singapore, 12 September 2024).