About fifty-five participants representing the Christian and Hindu religious traditions in Europe gathered in Rome for a meeting on the theme “Hindus and Christians in Europe: Building together a ‘fraternity-based new humanism’”. The meeting, which was the first of its kind, took place yesterday and was organised by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in collaboration with the Hindu Forum of Europe, the Italian Hindu Union and the World Council of Churches.

Participants reflected on the changing dynamics of the Hindu-Christian relationship in Europe and envisaged ways of enhancing cooperation on issues that would foster human flourishing through interreligious dialogue, solidarity and hospitality. It was acknowledged that the Hindu concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family) and Pope Francis’s Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti serve as compasses to guide Hindus and Christians towards a ‘new humanism’ in an increasingly intercultural and interreligious Europe. Participants also had the opportunity today to take part in the General Audience of the Holy Father.