World Peace and Unity LIVE | Pope Francis in Kazakhstan 2022 | Final Declaration and Conclusion of the Congress Streamed live on Sep 15, 2022 Transcript.

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Jesus Christ praised be Jesus Christ welcome to this live-streamed broadcast

of the closing ceremony of the 7th congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions in north sultan

Kazakhstan this Thursday September 15th my name is Francesca Merlo and I’ll be

providing the English commentary for this morning’s event whether you’re joining us through various Vatican media channels the

Vatican audio or radio app the Vatican news web portal or YouTube channel

or via one of our partner stations including catholic faith network shalom world television networks USA

Ewtn tv salt and light tv luminous radio india catholic tv shalom

TV India and Sunday shalom a warm welcome to you all

the local time in Kazakhstan is 3 p.m 2 59 and as we wait for the

meeting to begin just a little bit about this seventh congress

now this two-day meeting which takes place every three years

has brought together religious leaders from around the world to focus this time

on how religious leaders can foster the spiritual and social development in the post-pandemic world

over 100 delegations from 50 countries are attending the congress made up of religious cultural civil

governmental and non-governmental representatives

Pope Francis traveled to Kazakhstan to participate personally in this meeting following the invitation of the nation’s

president Kasim Jomart Tokyo

now the congress was uh established at the initiative of Kazakhstan’s first

president Nur Sultan Nazarbayev in direct response to the rise in religious

tensions and extremism following the 9 11 terrorist attack in the United States

the holy father has just entered the congress center

you can see the religious leaders at a round table

sitting up standing up excuse me

here we see the religious leaders

we are expecting to hear from some of these leaders throughout the course of this closing

ceremony as well as from Pope Francis who is

now taking his seat

this is the final event of Pope Francis’s apostolic journey to Kazakhstan

foreign

we are hearing the discourse of  Moline Ashimbayev who is the head of the Secretariat of the Congress of the

leaders of world and traditional religions and chairman of the senate of the parliament of the republic of Kazakhstan

declaration leader of

he has declared the declaration as having been

spiritual leaders of world and traditional religions politicians heads of international organ organizations

guided by our shared desire for a just peaceful secure and prosperous world

affirming the importance of shared values in the spiritual and social development of humankind

recognizing the necessity of countering and overcoming intolerance xenophobia

discrimination and conflicts based on ethnic religious and cultural differences

respecting the richness of religious and cultural diversity realizing that acts of charity

compassion mercy justice and solidarity contribute to the rapprochement of

peoples and societies recognizing the value of education and

spirituality for personal and inter-religious development affirming the importance of the role and

rights of women in society stating that material inequality leads

to discontent social tension conflict and crisis in our world

recognizing the importance of addressing global challenges in our post-pandemic world including climate change poverty

and hunger organized crime terrorism and drugs

condemning in the strongest terms the extremism radicalism and terrorism which

lead to religious persecution and the undermining of human life and dignity

condemning the creation of hot spots of interstate and international tension in the world

expressing serious concern about the global increase in the number of migrants and refugees in need of

humanitarian assistance and protection expressing a firm desire to contribute

to the creations of conditions for reconciliation and dialogue between conflicting parties

realizing the urgent necessity for spiritual and political leaders to work

together in addressing the challenges of our world welcoming all international regional

national and local initiatives especially the efforts of religious leaders to promote inter-religious

intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue expressing the intention to intensify

cooperation between religious communities international national and public

institutions and non-governmental organizations in the post-pandemic period

reaffirming the work of the congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions as an international

inter-religious dialogue platform for representatives of many religions

confessions and creeds and pointing out the opportunity of the congress of the leaders of world and

traditional religions for taking further specific steps to expand interfaith into

religious and inter-civilization civilizational dialogue

we the leaders of this congress have come to a common position and declare the following

number one (1) we will make every effort to ensure that the congress of the leaders of world and

traditional religions continues its regular activities for the benefit of

peace and dialogue between religions cultures and civilizations

number two (2) we declare that in the conditions of the post-pandemic development of the world and the

globalization of world processes and security threats the congress of the leaders of world and

traditional religions plays an important role in the implementation of joint

efforts to strengthen dialogue in the name of peace and cooperation

as well as the promotion of spiritual and moral values number three (3)

we recognize that the negative consequences of pandemic disease can be

overcome only through joint effort working together and helping each other

number four (4) we are convinced that the unleashing of any military conflict creating hot spots

of tension and confrontation causes chain reactions which impair

international relations number five (5) we believe that extremism radicalism

terrorism and all other forms of violence and wars whatever their goals

have nothing to do with true religion and must be rejected in the strongest

possible terms number six (6) we strongly urge national governments

and authorized international organizations to provide comprehensive assistance to all religious groups and

ethnic communities that have been subjected to infringements of rights and violence by extremists and terrorists as

a result of wars and military conflicts number seven (7) we call upon world leaders

to abandon all aggressive and destructive rhetoric which leads to destruct destabilization of the world

and to cease from conflict and bloodshed in all corners of our world

number eight (8) we call upon religious leaders and prominent political figures from different parts of the world tirelessly

to develop dialogue in the name of friendship solidarity and peaceful coexistence

number nine (9) we advocate the active involvement of the leaders of world and traditional

religions and prominent political figures in the process of conflict resolution for achieving long-term

stability number ten (10) we note that pluralism and differences

in religion skin color gender race and language

are expressions of the wisdom of god’s will in creation thus any incidence of coercion to a

particular religion and religious doctrine is unacceptable

number eleven (11) we call for the support of all practical initiatives to implement inter-religious

and interdenominational dialogue for the sake of building social justice and solidarity for all peoples

(12). we stand in solidarity with the efforts of the united nations and all other

international governmental and regional institutions and organizations

to promote dialogue among civilizations and religions states and nations

number thirteen (13) we recognize the importance and value of the document on human fraternity for

world peace and living together between the holy see and Al-azhar

Al-Sharif adopted by the un general assembly in resolution a res 75 200 of December

21st 2020 and the Macar declaration adopted in mecca in may 2019

which calls for peace dialogue mutual understanding and mutual respect among

believers for the common good (14). we welcome the progress made by the

global community in the fields of science technology medicine industry and

other areas yet note the importance of their harmonization with spiritual social and

human values (15). we realize that social problems often

push people to extreme action and call on all states of the world to

ensure adequate living conditions for their citizens sixteen (16)

we note how people and societies which dismiss the importance of spiritual

values and moral guidelines are susceptible to lose their humanity

and creativity seventeen (17) we call on world and world political and

business leaders to focus on overcoming the imbalances in the development of modern societies

and to reduce the gap in the well-being of different segments of the population and different countries of the world

(18). we note the positive impact of dialogue between leaders of world and traditional

religions for socio-political processes in states and societies

contributing to the preservation of peace (19) we proceed from the immutable fact

that the almighty created all people equal regardless of their racial religious

ethnic or other affiliation or social status therefore tolerance respect and mutual

understanding underpin all religious teaching

(20) twenty we call on political and public figures journalists and bloggers

to beware religious generalization and not to identify extremism and terrorism

with whole nations and peace loving religions (21)

we advocate increasing the role of education and religious formation in strengthening the respectful coexistence

of religions and cultures and debunking dangerous pseudo-religious

prejudices (22) we pay special attention to the

importance of strengthening the institution of the family (23)

we stand for the protection of the dignity and rights of women the improvement of their social status

as equal members of family and society (24)

we note the inevitability of global digital development as well as the importance of the role of religious and

spiritual leaders in interacting with politicians in solving the problems of

digital inequality (25) we strive to develop a dialogue with

the media and other institutions of society to clarify the significance of

religious values for promoting religious literacy interreligious tolerance and

civil peace (26) we appeal to all people of faith and

good will to unite in this difficult time and contribute to ensuring harmony

and security in our common home planet earth (27)

we appeal to all people of faith and sorry (28) we turn to pray in support of

all people of good will on the planet who make a significant contribution to the expansion of inter-civilizational

inter-religious and international dialogue for the sake of a more prosperous world

28 we call for supporting acts of mercy and compassion

in regions affected by military conflict as a result of both natural and man-made

disasters (29) we call for solidarity in the support of

international organizations and national governments in their efforts to overcome the consequences of the Kovid pandemic

(30) we affirm that the purposes of the congress and this declaration are to

guide contemporary and future generations of humankind in promoting a culture of tolerance mutual respect and

peacefulness available for use in public administration of any country in the

world as well as by international organizations including u n institutions

(31) we instruct the secretariat of the congress to develop a concept

for the development of the congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions as a global inter-religious

dialogue platform for 2023-2033

(32) we affirm the role of the public of of Kazakhstan as an authoritative and

global center of inter-civilizational inter-religious and interfaith dialogue

(33) we thank the republic of Kazakhstan and president Kasim Jomah Takayeth

for their human initiatives for convening the seventh congress of the leaders of world and traditional

religions and for their contribution to creation and progress

peace and harmony (34) we thank the republic of Kazakhstan for

the excellent organization of the congress and to the Kazakh people for their

cordiality and hospitality and (35)

we confirm our collective interest in continuing the activities of the congress of the leaders of world and

traditional religions and our intention to convene the next

eighth congress in 2025 in the capital of the republic of Kazakhstan new sultan

this declaration was adopted by the majority of the delegates of the seventh congress of the leaders of world and

traditional religions and is being transmitted to the authorities political leaders and

religious figures around the world relevant regional and international organizations

civil society organizations religious associations and leading experts

it will also be distributed as an official document of the 77th session of

the un general assembly the principles contained in the current

declaration can be disseminated at all regional and international levels for consideration

in all political decisions legislative norms educational programs and mass media in

all interested countries may our aspirations be blessed

and may peace and prosperity be granted to all peoples and countries

from the republic of Kazakhstan north sultan September 15 2022

that was Bishop Joe Bailey wells reading the final declaration of the congress

for me it is a great honor to now

give the word to the head of the catholic church and our

guest Pope Francis and we will now hear Pope Francis’s discourse

as i mentioned earlier this is the final event

of pope Francis’s 38th apostolic journey to Kaz abroad in Kazakhstan

dear brothers and sisters we have traveled this road together

and i thank you for coming from so many different parts of the world and for bringing with you the richness of your

beliefs and cultures thank you for having taken part so

intensely in these days of work commitment and sharing in the service of dialogue

this is more valuable than ever in challenging times like our own when the problems of the pandemic have been

compounded by the utter folly of war

there are altogether too many cases of hatred and division too little dialogue and effort to understand others

in our globalized world this is all the more dangerous and scandalous our human family cannot advance if

simultaneously united and divided interconnected and torn apart by massive inequality

thank you then for these efforts to build peace and unity our thanks go likewise to the local

authorities who hosted us and organized this congress with great care and to the hospitable and courageous

people of Kazakhstan capable of embracing other cultures while at the same time preserving their own noble

history and precious traditions

thank you very much

the motto of my visit now drawing to an end has been messengers of peace and unity

it is deliberately in the plural for all of us are on a common journey

the seventh congress in which we have taken part by the grace of the almighty has marked an important step on the

shared itinerary since its inception in 2003 this event

is taken as its model the day of prayer for peace in the world convened in 2002 in assisi by john paul ii

in order to reaffirm the positive contribution made by the religious traditions to dialogue and a harmony between peoples

after the events of the 11th of September 2001 it was necessary to respond collectively

to the incendiary atmosphere that terrorist violence sought to incite and which threatened to turn religion

into a grounds for conflict pseudo-religions terrorism extremism radicalism and nationalism dressed up in

religious garb nonetheless continued to ferment fears and concerns about religion

in these days then it proved providential that we could come together once more in order to reaffirm the

authentic and inalienable essence of religion

in this regard the declaration of the seventh congress states that extremism radicalism terrorism and all other

incentives to hatred hostility violence and war whatever their motivations or goals

have nothing to do with the authentic spirit of religion

and must be rejected in the most decisive terms possible

furthermore since the almighty has created all people equal regardless of their religious ethnic or social origin

we are agreed that mutual respect and understanding should be considered essential

and indispensable in religious teaching

Kazakhstan at the heart of the great and pivotal continent of Asia was the natural place for us to meet

its flag reminded us of the need to maintain a healthy relationship between politics and religion

indeed if the golden eagle displayed on that flag speaks of earthly authority and ancient empires

the blue background evokes the color of the sky and thus transcendence

there is thus a healthy connection between politics and transcendence a sound form of coexistence that keeps

their spheres distinct distinct but not confused or separate

let us say no to their confusion for the sake of all people who need like the eagle a free sky in which to fly a

free space open to the infinite and not straightened by earthly power transcendence for its part must not

yield to the temptation to turn into power lest heaven fall to earth

the eternal beyond be chained to an earthly present and love of neighbor become prey to partisan decisions

no then to confusion between politics and transcendence but no also to their separation

for the highest human aspirations cannot be excluded from public life and relegated solely to the private sphere

consequently those who legitimately desire to voice their beliefs must be protected

always and everywhere yet how many people are even now persecuted and discriminated against on

account of their faith we have insistently appealed to governments and relevant international

organizations to provide assistance to religious groups and ethnic communities whose human rights and fundamental

freedoms have been violated or subjected to violence by extremists and terrorists

also as a result of wars and military conflicts

above all we must ensure that religious freedom will never be a mere abstraction but a concrete right

we defend everyone’s right to religion to hope to beauty to heaven

Kazakhstan is in the words of its national anthem a sky of golden sun

and the same is true of each human being in their absolute uniqueness if they are

in contact with the divine every man and woman can radiate a special light in our world

for this reason the catholic church which tirelessly proclaims the inviolable dignity of each person

created in the image of god also believes in the unity of the human

family the church believes that all humanity

forms but one community this is so because all stem from the one stock that god created to people the

entire earth and because all share a common destiny namely god

his providence evident goodness and saving designs extend to all mankind

hence from the outset of this congress the holy see particularly through its psychiatry for inter-religious dialogue

has taken an active part in it it wishes to continue to do so for the path of inter-religious dialogue

is a shared path to peace and for peace as such it is necessary and irrevocable

interreligious dialogue is no longer merely something expedient it is an urgent needed and incomparable service

to humanity to the praise and glory of the creator of all

brothers and sisters in thinking of this shared path i ask myself what is our point of convergence

Pope John Paul ii who visited Kazakhstan 21 years ago this very month stated that

for the church always lead to man and that man is the way for the church

i would like to say that today man is also the way for all the religions yes man men and women concrete human

beings weakened by the pandemic worn out by war wounded by indifference

human beings frail and marvelous creatures who once god is forgotten are left in darkness

and apart from others cannot survive the good of humanity should be taken

into consideration ahead of strategic and economic objectives national energy and military interests and in

advance of crucial decisions to make decisions that are truly great

we should look to children to young people and their future to the elderly and their wisdom

we have spoken out and insisted that the human person cannot be reduced to what he or she produces and earns

that human beings must be accepted and never discarded that the family a word that in the

Kazakh language means nest of soul and love is a natural and irreplaceable reality that must be protected and

promoted so that tomorrow’s men and women may grow and mature

for all human beings the great religious and wisdom traditions are caused to testify to the existence of a shared

spiritual and moral patrimony based on two principles transcendence and fraternity

transcendence the beyond worship it is impressive that each day millions

and millions of men and women of different ages cultures and social conditions join together in prayer in

countless places of worship this is the hidden force that makes our

world move forward and then fraternity the other proximity

for one cannot profess genuine fidelity to the creator without showing love for his creatures

this is the spirit that pervades the declaration of our congress in concluding i would like to emphasize

three words that it contains the first word is a synthesis of

everything the expression of a heartfelt plea the dream and the goal of our journey

peace is urgently needed because in our day every military conflict or hotspot of tension and confrontation

will necessarily have a painful domino effect and seriously compromise the system of international relations

peace on the other hand is more than the absence of war it cannot be reduced to the maintenance of the balance of power

between opposing forces nor does it arise out of despotic

dominion but it is appropriately called the effect of righteousness

peace is born of fraternity it grows through the struggle against injustice and inequality

it is built by holding out a hand to others we who believe in the creator of all

must be on the front lines in promoting the growth of peaceful coexistence

we must bear witness to peace preach peace employ peace the declaration thus exhausts world

leaders to put an end to conflicts and bloodshed everywhere and to abandon aggressive and destructive rhetoric

we plead with you in the name of god and for the good of humanity work for peace not weapons

only by serving the cause of peace will you make a name for yourselves in the annals of history

[Music] if peace is lacking it is because care tender love the ability to generate life

are lacking our quest of peace must thus increasingly involve and here is the

second word women because women bestow care and life upon the world

they are themselves a path towards peace for this reason we have endorsed the

need to defend their dignity and to approve their social status as equal members of the family and of society

women must also be entrusted with greater positions and responsibilities

how many calamitous decisions might have been avoided had women been directly involved in decision making

we commit ourselves to ensuring that women are increasingly respected acknowledged and involved

lastly the third word the young young people are messengers of peace and unity

in the present and in the future it is they who more than anyone else call for peace and respect for the

common home of creation the ingrained attitudes of domination and exploitation

the hoarding of resources nationalism war and carving out spheres of influence shape and older world

which the young reject a world that has no room for their hopes and

in the dreams way harsh and repressive forms of religion belong not to the future but to the past

mindful of future generations we have stressed the importance of education which strengthens mutual acceptance and

respectful coexistence among different religions and cultures

let us put into the hands of the young opportunities for education not weapons of destruction

and let us listen to them without being afraid to be challenged by their questions

above all let us build a world with them in mind

brothers and sisters the people of Kazakhstan open to tomorrow yet mindful of yesterday’s

suffering point us by their extraordinary wealth of religions and cultures towards the future

they encourage us to create that future without forgetting transcendence and fraternity

worship of the most high and acceptance of our brothers and sisters let us press ahead on this path walking

together on earth as children of heaven weavers of hope

and artisans of concord heralds of peace and unity

and the word now goes to the grand

[Music] foreign

and the people of Kazakhstan and the organizers of

[Music]

foreign [Music]

[Music]

touched all of the issues and that

everything that is of great importance has already been said and written

in this declaration

especially in a world in which there is so much poverty

foreign

what he would like to repeat is that the message of the religions

the declaration will not be able to reach its objectives

until the religions are not united

we must re-address the activities of the religions

[Music]

this can be done by gathering the different values the highest values of every religion

and sharing them everywhere always

with the basis of truth in the diffusion of these values

our brothers and sisters

it is the message of Islam and it is the message of all religions

foreign

speaking from his own experience especially on the document on human fraternity

signed by the grand imam and pope Francis he says that despite the differences and

the the forces that perhaps tried to stop them they were able to go

forward because their hearts met in friendship and in respect

and this is what brought to the birth and to the signing consequent signing of

this documentary

technology

[Music]

the healing of humanity does not depend on technological progress but on a

spiritual process and that is the end of the grand imam’s

discourse

and is handing

who is the chairman of the department for external church relations

since 2003 these congresses happen regularly

and to the president of the republic of Kazakhstan

this theme is

conflict

and conflict

and the moral orientation to overcome

which help to unite the various religions despite

their differences

this is

and this is why religious education is an excellent tool to

and poor

reason to cooperate throughout institutions religions and states in the

world because it is important today

to put an end to these injustices

the declaration of our congress is based on creation

on the existence of god and on the words

it is also important to strengthen the authority of religious leaders

and transmit this to the whole of society so that people will listen to their words

often people forget simple simple issues facing society and humanity

for example always being loyal to our one’s own soul

themselves into the importance of this

all of the participants for their openness to dialogue and for this communication that was

extremely powerful and fruitful over those few days

thank you for your ministry thank you and now back to Marlon Ashimbayev

and now the word goes

Islamic issues

he is thanking the president the pope the grand imam and all those taking part in the congress

he’s expressing his uh congratulations with the president for

the fruitful outcome of this meeting [Music]

a meeting that promotes the value of every human person

as well as the value of dialogue and the value of peace

with which to strengthen the common values and to begin again

with the basis of these

[Music]

[Music] he is now speaking of

the role of Saudi Arabia in sharing the values of Islam and the way

in which the kingdom dealt with the covet 19 pandemic

[Music]

and supports dialogue for the good that it brings

and that is the end of his discourse

which he concludes by thanking the president

Israelia David

republican

[Music]

[Music] because i want to live well i want to live happy i want a long life

and i begin to realize that this life is the relationship with he who gave us life

[Music]

joy of meeting this face of mystery

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Applause]

Rabbi David Laos

foreign [Applause]

for the summing up of the results of the congress

foreign

dear congress participants our forum has taken place at the unique and highly consequential

global moment it’s historic in its own way

as we face an increasingly turbulent geopolitical post pandemic world

it becomes more crucial to develop new approaches to strengthening inter-civilizational dialogue

and trust at the global level i believe today’s forum has made a significant contribution to this vital

ongoing work on behalf of the people of Kazakhstan i would like to express my

sincere gratitude to his holiness pope Francis for his historic visit to

our country and participation in the work of the congress we are confident

that your passionate voice and strong message will be a source of inspiration and hope

for many millions around the world also radar i

[Music] the participants of the congress have shared their perspectives

offered valuable ideas and generated insightful proposals on

many pressing issues most importantly they have focused their

thoughts on peace and cooperation between faith and peoples

we have collectively condemned both power politics and hate speech which

contribute to the mutual alienation of nations the erosion of states and the

degradation of international relations today as never before it’s vital to put

to good use the peacemaking potential of religions to unite the efforts of

spiritual authorities in search of long-term stability

all faces are based on humanistic ideals recognition of the supreme value of

human life and the aspirations for peace and creation

these fundamental principles must be reflected not only in the spiritual area

but also in the social economic development of states and international politics

one of the most important topics was how to overcome inequalities of all kinds

since they are a source of national upheavals and global crisis

special emphasis was placed on digital and gender issues

on the importance of education and on the role of religion in eliminating social divides

another fundamental objective was the search for ways to strike a balance between economic growth and

spiritual and moral progress i am convinced that religious leaders can and must

insist on simultaneous and complementary spiritual and technological development

dear participants as we conclude our work together here i am convinced

that spiritual leaders can and will help in overcoming the contradictions of the

modern world and in achieving greater well-being for all humanity

a meaningful and highly detailed detailed declaration has been adopted at

the conclusion of this congress this important document covers fundamental fundamental issues

and can serve as a guide for governments political leaders and international

organizations our joint task is to consistently promote the concepts and principles of

the declaration i also believe it is necessary to prepare concept of

concept document for the development of the congress of leaders of world and traditional religions for the years

2023 2033 this concept document

should include concrete steps and stages in further strengthening the influence of our forum

in line with its domestic and foreign policy priorities

Kazan will fully support the consistent activities of the congress

our aim remains to promote an open dialogue among civilizations and to strengthen

peace and stability once again my sincere gratitude to all

of you and let’s walk together for the sake of peace tolerance

and cooperation i wish everyone well-being and peaceful life

[Applause]

the head of the secretariat of the congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions

foreign

[Music] [Applause]

foreign

and with that the ceremony of the seventh congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions

comes to an end at the independence palace in nur sultan

Kazakhstan Kazakhstan’s capital

from here the pope will go straight to the airport where there will be a departure ceremony with the presence of

the president um the pope is scheduled to depart from north sultan airport at 1pm local time

it is now um sorry at 1 pm round time and to arrive back in Rome’s finishing airport at

around 8 30 pm local time

and uh this is what brings us to an end to this pope’s meeting with authorities civil

society and excuse me the end of the final closing ceremony of

the 7th congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions

on behalf of Vatican radio i’d like to thank our partners who helped make these live broadcasts available throughout the

world including catholic faith network shalom world television networks USA

Ewtn tv salt and light tv luminous radio India catholic tv shalom tv India and

Sunday shalom i would also like to thank all of our producers and technicians here in studio

who made this broadcast possible and thanks to all of you for joining us today

I’m Francesca Merlo and it has been a pleasure providing coverage of the holy father’s final meeting in

Kazakhstan today Laudato Jesus Christus praised be Jesus Christ