Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue

Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future Rome, 19–21 June 2025

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Concept Note:

In these troubled times, anxiety about the future is growing. The world is gripped by conflicts and political crises which impact social cohesion, human rights and development. Influential voices prey on fears and wield disinformation to fan demagoguery, bigotry, scapegoating and divisiveness. Challenges such as socioeconomic disparities, gender inequality, displacement, climate change and low levels of confidence in governance institutions, nationally and internationally, are growing more intractable.

With so much at stake, now more than ever, humanity is called upon to come together to safeguard our future and to work to realize the equal and inalienable rights of all, which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us are the “foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”.

Parliamentarians, together with representatives of religions, beliefs, faith-based organizations, international organizations, civil society and academia, will come together again in 2025 for the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, under the overall theme Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future. The Conference will underscore that our common future, anchored in human rights, human dignity and the rule of law, stands or falls with our ability to transcend our differences and to work together cooperatively towards effective solutions, concurring with Pope Francis’ call for all people to unite, as “pilgrims of hope”, in solidarity and fraternity during the Year of Jubilee.

Indeed, parliamentarians play a crucial role in the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies. They are tasked with upholding the rule of law, human rights and justice through their functions of representation, oversight, budget approval and legislation. As public figures, they also provide a window into society at large: they are both barometers and influencers of social cohesion. Furthermore, parliamentary diplomacy can support multilateral efforts for the common good.

Representatives of religions and beliefs are important dialogue partners for parliamentarians. The overwhelming majority of global citizens are affiliated with a religion or a belief and this is often reflected in countries’ legal apparatus and governance structures: over 100 States refer to God in their constitutional texts, while others explicitly separate religion or belief from the State. Overcoming tensions between religious or secular legal systems, and the upholding of the rule of law and human rights standards are important points of discussion.

One such tension is around the right to freedom of religion or belief, a right regarding which no society is free from violations. This freedom applies to a person’s right to hold and manifest a religion or belief, as well as to change it if they so wish. In some countries, people are targeted by the government on the basis of their religion or belief, and underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women and youth, are particularly at risk. Parliaments are called upon to address legislative gaps and promote values of inclusion, equality and non-discrimination.

For many people, religion and belief play an important role in their values and identity, in some cases influencing their voting habits and participation in society. Opportunities for promoting peace and inclusion, including through the law, often have a religious or belief dimension. It is important for parliamentarians to understand the different ways in which religion or belief impact constituents to help them remain aware and engaged.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union and interfaith dialogue

For many years, the IPU has been engaging in parliamentary dialogue and cooperation across religions, beliefs and cultures to promote peace, coexistence and the rule of law. Most important in this regard are the outcome documents of IPU Assemblies, such as the Quebec City Declaration (2012) on Citizenship, identity and linguistic and cultural diversity in a globalized world, the St Petersburg Declaration (2017) on Promoting cultural pluralism and peace through interfaith and inter-ethnic dialogue, and the Manama Declaration (2023) on Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance.

The IPU’s work on parliamentary engagement with religion and belief is part of an “ecosystem” approach outlined in its 2022-2026 Strategy, which acknowledges that parliaments and parliamentarians can better deliver for the people when they take note of and work together with the actors and dynamics that influence them, as well as with other relevant stakeholders.

To better understand the relationship between parliaments, parliamentarians and religion and belief, the IPU produced a first-of-its-kind Parliamentary report on religion and belief: Working towards more peaceful and inclusive societies, which investigated how parliaments, as institutions, engage with religion and belief. It is currently preparing Part 2 of this report, mapping current trends and good practices in parliamentary work on issues intersecting with religion and belief to support peace, inclusion and dialogue, and the upholding of human rights and the rule of law.

Main objectives of the Conference

Advancing the commitments made in the Marrakesh Communiqué and other IPU outcomes, the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue will aim to:

• • Strengthen trust between politicians and representatives of religions and beliefs.
• • Build awareness of the important roles of religious, belief and political representatives and faith-based organizations and of how, despite having different mandates, dialogue can be mutually beneficial to inform national policies and legislation and foster social cohesion, for the achievement of common goals.
• • Promote the inherent dignity and human rights of all individuals, without distinction, regardless of culture, religion or belief, including freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, gender equality and youth empowerment, as well as the protection of national minorities and other marginalized or vulnerable groups.
• • Reaffirm and consolidate, in line with the motto of the 2025 Vatican Jubilee, common values such as peace, respect, equality, humanity, fraternity, sorority, accountability and compassion.
• • Help combat all forms of discrimination or hostility related to intolerance, hatred, extremism and acts of violence perpetrated by or committed against people on the basis of religion or belief.
• • Encourage more ethical and responsible leadership from those with political, religious or belief influence and authority.
• • Promote peace education as an important foundation for coexistence and a means to combat different forms of intolerance.

From Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 June 2025, Rome, Italy hosted the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue under the theme “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future.”Jointly organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU),

Source: Coptic Orthodox Church

Monday 23 June 2025

From Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 June 2025, Rome, Italy hosted the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue under the theme “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for Our Common Future.”Jointly organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Italian Parliament, and Religions for Peace, the conference convened parliamentarians, religious leaders, civil society actors, and academics from around the world to promote dialogue and collaboration across faiths and political systems.

His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos OBE, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and Papal Legate to the United Kingdom, addressed the General Debate on Thursday 19 June at the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament.

In his remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos emphasised the vital synergy between political and religious leadership, stating:

“The roles and functions of policy makers and religious leaders are different, yet they are complementary. This is why they must continue to work together for good. Religious leaders need to have a prophetic voice and be an unwavering moral compass; stable and honest.”

His speech resonated deeply with the conference’s broader objectives, which included countering religious hatred, promoting peaceful coexistence, and reinforcing ethical leadership in governance. His Eminence also contributed to the closing session by reporting on the outcomes of the High-Level Panel discussions held the previous day.

Beyond the formal sessions, His Eminence noted the joy of reconnecting with long-standing colleagues and forging new alliances, highlighting meetings with Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini, Honorary President of the IPU, and H.E. Mohammad Al Yammahi, President of the Arab Parliament.

A particularly moving moment came during an audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Representing His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos conveyed greetings from His Holiness and presented a Coptic icon of Saint Athanasius at the Council of Nicaea commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council held in 325 AD. This symbolic gesture bridged centuries of Christian tradition with the contemporary pursuit of unity and dialogue.

Archbishop Angaelos also expressed gratitude to Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, for hosting the conference and supporting its mission.

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV

TO MEMBERS OF THE "WORKING GROUP ON INTERCULTURAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE"

Monday, 29 September 2025, Leo XIV Speeches 2025 September, vatican.va

Greetings to you all, good morning.
We begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peace be with all of you.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

I am pleased to welcome those of you from the European Parliament who have established the “Working Group on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue.” I congratulate you on this initiative and hope that it will bear much fruit.

Promoting dialogue between cultures and religions is a key objective for a Christian politician, and thanks be to God there is no shortage of people who have given good witness in this regard.

Being men and women of dialogue means remaining deeply rooted in the Gospel and in the values that flow from it and, at the same time, cultivating openness, listening and dialogue with those who come from other backgrounds, always placing the human person, human dignity, and our relational and communal nature at the center.

Participation in interreligious dialogue, by its nature, recognizes that religion is of value both on a personal level and in the social sphere. The word religion itself refers to the notion of connection as an original element of humanity. Therefore, when authentic and well cultivated, the religious dimension can greatly enhance interpersonal relationships and help people to live in community and society. And how important it is today to emphasize the value and the importance of human relationships!

European institutions need people who know how to live a healthy secularism, that is, a style of thinking and acting that affirms the value of religion while preserving the distinction — not separation or confusion — from the political sphere. In particular, it is worth noting the examples of Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and Alcide De Gasperi.

Dear friends, I thank you for your visit. I thank you for the work you are doing in promoting dialogue among all people and respect for all people, and I ask God's blessing upon you and your work. Thank you very much.

Copyright © Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Addresses Parliamentary Interfaith Conference in Rome

Rome, Italy – At the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome’s Palazzo Montecitorio, the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue was held from June 19-21, 2025, on the theme, “Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future.” The conference was organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in partnership with the Italian Chamber of Deputies, the Italian Senate, and the NGO Religions for Peace.

The conference was attended by 650 delegates from nearly 100 nations, including parliamentarians from 68 IPU member nations and from two associate member organizations (the Arab Parliament and the EU Parliament), as well as representatives from ten permanent observer organizations (such as the United Nations and UNESCO), from 19 academic organizations and over 70 NGOs, faith-based organizations and intergovernmental organizations, as well as 26 religious leaders.

The Rome conference followed the first Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue organized in 2023 in Marrakesh by the IPU and the Kingdom of Morocco. Held during the Jubilee Year designated by the late Pope Francis at the beginning of 2025, this second conference carried the spirit of the Marrakesh Communiqué, which affirmed that interfaith dialogue is “grounded in support of fundamental rights and freedoms” and “essential in promoting inclusivity and peaceful coexistence.”

General debate on the theme “Parliamentarians in dialogue with religion and belief: Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future” was held in the Assembly’s Plenary Hall, co-moderated by Senator Pier Ferdinando Casini and IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson from Tanzania. After opening remarks by high-level representatives including Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, president of the UNESCO General Conference and Mr. Miguel Moratinos, high representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, over 70 members of parliament, religious leaders, and NGO or faith-based organization representatives took the floor, giving short reports on their countries’ religious freedom policies or their organizations’ projects.

During the high-level session Dr. Tageldin Hamad, president of UPF-International, said, “True peace cannot be imposed from above or demanded from below – it must be cultivated through trust and rooted in our common spiritual and moral values.” He added, “The Universal Peace Federation believes that true peace cannot be achieved through politics alone, nor through religion in isolation. Lasting peace emerges when political wisdom and spiritual insight walk hand in hand.”

He added, “In this spirit, we recall the visionary proposal of Dr. Hak Ja Han and her late husband, Dr. Moon, the co-founders of UPF. On August 18, 2000 they organized an international conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, and called for the establishment of an Interfaith Council at the United Nations. They believed that, alongside the voices of political leaders, the voices of spiritual leaders must also be heard, offering moral clarity, spiritual wisdom, and a deeper perspective on the human condition. Several nations heard the call and a productive process emerged, that led to positive results.”

Throughout the two-day conference, several working sessions were organized in adjacent halls. The themes included promoting peaceful coexistence; upholding the rights of religious minorities; advancing inclusive societies; promoting ethical leadership; investing in education for peace; interfaith dialogue and the inclusion of women in public life. Organizers and moderators included the IPU, Religions for Peace, the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum, the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, Globethics, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and the Minority Rights Group.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Tulia Ackson, IPU president, emphasized the significance of the two-day conference. “We convened this conference,” she said, “because we see pain in the world, division in society, and our role as parliamentarians is to work towards a better world. Despite our differences and difficulties, we need to say yes to dialogue, or else we will lose the foundation of our humanity.”

Senator Casini read the “Rome Communiqué” to be adopted by the conference. The communiqué encourages all parliaments, among other actions, to strengthen provisions for freedom of religion or belief in law and practice; to counter hate speech and the weaponization of religion or belief; to counter digital threats to democracy and human dignity; to support peace education; and to consider organizing a dedicated session in parliament on interfaith dialogue with representatives of all religious communities.

Conference participants were invited to a special audience in the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV addressed them, urging them to view political service as a noble form of charity rooted in truth, justice, and the common good. He highlighted the example of St. Thomas More, calling him a “martyr for freedom and for the primacy of conscience” for his unwavering commitment to truth, even unto death.

The Pope emphasized three key responsibilities for political leaders today: promoting the common good, especially defending the marginalized; safeguarding religious freedom through interfaith dialogue; and grounding decisions in natural law as a shared ethical foundation. He also addressed the growing challenge of artificial intelligence, warning that technological advancement must not compromise human dignity or freedom.

Pope Leo concluded by entrusting the work of legislators to the intercession of St. Thomas More, encouraging them to see politics not merely as a career, but as a mission in service of truth, justice, and the dignity of every person.

By UPF-Europe and the Middle East June 21, 2025

Universal Peace Federation

Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society and the private sector, is dedicated to achieving world peace. An NGO in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family.

UPF Mission

The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation and prosperity. Peace is not simply the absence of war or a term that applies only to the relationships among nations. Peace is an essential quality that should characterize all relationships.
UPF advocates renewal of the United Nations, including a proposal that the UN create an interreligious council within its structures. UPF implements its programs through a global network of Ambassadors for Peace.
UPF encourages all religions to dialogue and cooperate for peace based upon the recognition that human dignity derives from a universal divine source that is the basis of harmony and unification.
UPF offers relief and humanitarian programs, service-learning projects, character education and sports programs with a special focus on personal leadership and peacemaking skills.