Head of the Vatican's Department of Interreligious Dialogue Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad on Wednesday urged political and religious leaders to embrace dialogue as the only effective path toward resolving conflicts and ensuring long-term stability.

“Only peace and dialogue can bring stability to a nation,” Cardinal Koovakad said while engaging with the media regarding the outcomes of the visit and the ongoing dialogue between Bangladesh and the Vatican.

Vatican Ambassador to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin Randall and prominent Christian religious leaders from across the country were present.

He, along with his delegation, is currently paying an official visit to Bangladesh (September 6–11, 2025). During the visit, they have met with the Chief Justice and participated in several seminars and conferences promoting interfaith understanding.

“From past experiences, we must be more convinced and more open to talk among ourselves—especially political leaders and religious leaders. We have to influence each other to find common ground and always create space for dialogue,” Cardinal Koovakad said.

He warned that conflicts, whether in Bangladesh or elsewhere, cannot be resolved through violence.

“With conflict, we will arrive nowhere. With violence, we will not reach anywhere,” he said, stressing that religious leaders must also play a role in spreading the message of unity and reconciliation.

The Cardinal expressed appreciation for the hospitality he received in Bangladesh and praised the country’s rich cultural heritage. “I felt a fresh welcome, full of respect. Bangladesh’s culture is beautiful, marked by justice and openness. The willingness to share experiences and exchange ideas here is remarkable.”

During his visit, the Cardinal and his delegation held discussions at the Islamic Foundation and visited the National Monument, experiences that he said helped strengthen understanding and cooperation. These exchanges, he added, opened avenues for collaboration in education, health, and social welfare.

Speaking at an interfaith programme in Dhaka, the Cardinal emphasised that violence cannot deliver peace, but open and sincere dialogue can.

Cardinal Koovakad also commended the role of Bangladesh media, describing it as vital in upholding truth, giving hope and conveying the right message.

“For us, this experience was possible only because of the confidence Bangladesh places in the media,” he said. “The press plays an important role in shaping dialogue and fostering respect.”

He expressed gratitude to senior officials and organizers for their hospitality, adding that the commitment shown by institutions, commissions, and faith communities had been inspiring. “Many offices and institutions have shown their strength,” he said, singling out the Church team and others who contributed with dedication to the conference.

Reiterating his central message, Cardinal Koovakad said Bangladesh has already emerged as a “fertile land of dialogue.”

He noted that while significant progress has been made, more can be done to deepen interfaith understanding.

“Dialogue gives us the guidelines to move forward successfully. I am happy this office has contributed to making the process inclusive, bringing together Muslims and Christians to share their experiences,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has called on people of different faiths in Bangladesh to cultivate a “growth-sustaining culture” through collaborative action, praising them for their unity in the face of natural disasters and social challenges.

The pope’s message was delivered on Tuesday during a conference in Dhaka as part of Cardinal Koovakad’s visit.

Pope Leo stressed that interfaith dialogue rests “in the conviction that our human community is truly one in origin and in destiny under God.”

He said harmony and peace require both opportunity and responsibility, urging communities to create an environment that nurtures growth.