Pope Francis recently addressed an international delegation of Jains, highlighting the urgent need to tackle global issues such as caring for vulnerable populations and environmental stewardship as a shared responsibility of all faiths.
In his prepared remarks to the delegation that visited the Vatican as part of a decades-old Jain-Christian dialogue, Pope Francis said, “I thank you for your efforts to seek together ways of caring for the earth, the poor, and the most vulnerable in society. These areas of reflection and action have become increasingly important in our times, and call for initiatives undertaken with seriousness and commitment, as well as a sense of shared responsibility.”
Pope Francis, considered the most liberal head of the Catholic Church in history, blamed the problems plaguing society to individualism and indifference that lead people to disregard the dignity and rights of their neighbors, especially in multicultural settings. Yet, he said we must not grow discouraged or be afraid to continue spreading hope through initiatives that foster a sense of humanity in believers and others.
“This persevering commitment to fraternal solidarity is based on the fact that it is ‘God who has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and who has called them to live together as brothers and sisters,” the Holy Father said quoting Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
Audience with the Pope
Giving an audience in the Vatican Apostolic Palace on November 25 to the delegation from the Institute of Jainology (IOJ), London, Pope Francis praised the Jain-Christian meeting promoted by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (DID). The two sides met to discuss proposals to work together for a better future for our world, touching on issues such as diversity and inclusion.
Expressing their gratitude, IOJ Board members presented the Pope with a marble sculpture of the Jain Aum symbol.
The Jain delegation, comprising 37 members from the UK, America, India, and Oman, held meetings and discussions on November 26 with scholars from the Pontifical Urbaniana University and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. The conference focused on building a better future by i) embracing diversity and inclusivity, and ii) caring for the earth, the poor and the most vulnerable. Distinguished speakers presented scholarly papers on the two sub-themes from a Jain and Christian perspective.
The respective delegations were led by Monsignor Indunil Kodithuwakku, Secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue (DID), and Dr Mehool H. Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the Institute of Jainology (IOJ).
In his opening remarks, Msgr. Kodithuwakku stated that mutual exchanges between religious traditions can enhance awareness and understanding, fostering a common path for collective action. “These exchanges can enrich our understanding of each other’s teachings and the noble things we learn from other traditions, ultimately contributing to a harmonious and peaceful world through responsibility, inclusivity, and fraternity,” he said.
Jain and Christian perspectives
During the conference, the delegates discussed the two cardinal Jain principles of Anekantvada (non-absolutism) and Ahimsa (non-violence) and the Christian concepts of compassion, inclusion, and justice as guiding principles to make the world more inclusive, just, and peaceful. They also stressed the need to make the Earth livable and peaceful by responsible stewardship of the natural world and caring for all forms of life.
Two Jain nuns from India were part of the delegation: Dr. Samani Amal Pragya and Samani Shreyas Pragya who are associated as scholars with Jain Vishva Bharati Institute (a Deemed University) in Ladnun, Rajasthan. Samani Amal Pragya presented a paper on Jain perspective to care for the earth, the poor and the most vulnerable.
At the end of the discussions, a joint communiqué was issued by the Vatican calling for urgent action on climate and human suffering.
The Institute of Jainology, founded in 1986, is an international organization promoting Jain philosophy and values through art, culture and education. It represents the Jain faith in government and interfaith matters in the UK and elsewhere.
The IOJ has maintained close relations with the Holy See for over 30 years, and this was their 4th major Jain delegation to Rome for dialogue with the Dicastery to build on areas of convergence and add their collective voices to those demanding urgent solutions to the climate crises and unprecedented human suffering.
Tour of the Vatican
Members of the Jain delegation enjoyed a tour of the Vatican, visiting the magnificent Sistine Chapel hosting works of Michelangelo and Raphael, the stunning St Peter’s Basilica, and the crypt that houses the tombs of Popes, church leaders, and other key figures from Rome’s history.
Dr. Jasvant Modi and Dr. Meera Modi, members of the Jain delegation, were among those personally blessed by Pope Francis for their philanthropic efforts towards creating a peaceful and compassionate world through academia and interfaith exchange. The Los Angeles-based couple run four small hospitals, providing compassionate care and support to the communities they serve.
A post on the Institute of Jainology website noted that for the Jain delegates, the Vatican visit was a spiritually uplifting, humbling, and ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. They acknowledged the Pope’s remarkable warmth, humility, and deep spiritual presence.
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