Felix Anthony Machado

For the archbishop of Vasai (Maharashtra), who has been involved in interfaith dialogue for years, news that the pope will travel to Iraq is a sign of hope for the world that has been paralysed by the pandemic, but it is also a sign for peace at a time of divisions and angst.

The bishop of Vasai and president of the Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences spoke at the recent ecumenical conference in Tirana. Divisions among Christians and “mushrooming” Church scandals are “tools in the hands of those who persecute us. We must find a way to be united before the world.” Interreligious dialogue is only possible if one remains firm in one’s convictions whilst opening up to the world. The bishop’s full address is included.