As Diwali, the Festival of Lights, being celebrated, the Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has sent a heartfelt message to Hindu communities worldwide, encouraging them to embrace "harmony in diversity." The message emphasizes the importance of filling hearts with "peace and joy" and urges everyone to combat "religious fundamentalism, extremism, fanaticism, racism, and hyper-nationalism."

The annual message, signed by Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot and Mgr. Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, is titled "Hindus and Christians: Promoting harmony amidst diversity and despite differences." It highlights the essential role of religious leaders in fostering societal harmony.

"With the immense potential religions have to create conducive conditions for harmony in society, all religious leaders have the sacred duty to encourage their followers to strive for harmony," the message sounds. The Vatican wishes that "God, the source of light, fill your minds and hearts with peace and joy, and your families and communities with grace and happiness."

The message notes that our cities and countries are becoming increasingly diverse, with people of various cultures, religions, ethnicities, languages, and ideologies coexisting. While many view this diversity as a source of growth and enrichment, it is sometimes perceived as a threat, leading to conflict.

The Dicastery reflects on the ways Christians and Hindus can work together to promote harmony, stating, "In the divine project, diversity and differences are not meant to be a threat to anyone's existence but a gift for harmonious coexistence."

Unfortunately, ideologies that promote exclusion and discrimination, such as religious fundamentalism and hyper-nationalism, have emerged in various parts of the world. These ideologies foster suspicion, prejudice, and fear, preventing people from forming bonds of human fraternity and social friendship.

In light of this, the Vatican calls for a renewed commitment to God's plan for humanity and the nurturing of brotherhood, as encouraged by Pope Francis during his recent visit to Asia.

The message concludes with a plea for all to work towards breaking down stereotypes and promoting empathy and respect for those who are different. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue at all levels to cultivate awareness and appreciation for diversity.

As believers rooted in their respective traditions, Christians and Hindus are encouraged to join hands with others to promote harmony amid diversity.

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