‘Islamophobia harms whole of society’, Holy See’s Permanent Observer tells United Nations

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad expressed his ‘closeness, solidarity and respect’ in a message to ‘Muslim brothers and sisters’ ahead of Id Al-Fitr, the feast of the end of Ramadan, which will be celebrated on 20 March.

Discrimination and violence against Muslims “not only harm individuals, but also damages the spiritual, moral, and social fabric of societies at large”, said the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia.

Archbishop Caccia warned that Islamophobia “weakens the bonds of trust and solidarity that humanity particularly needs in the current international context”, speaking at an event marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 16 March.

 “The growing instances of intolerance, discrimination and hostility targeting Muslims, Jews, Christians and followers of other traditional religions stem from a failure to recognise and defend the right to freedom of religion or belief,” he continued. “This right is not optional, but a cornerstone of any just society.”

“The persistence of Islamophobia in the world is a clear reminder of how urgently religious freedom must be upheld”, he said, quoting Pope Leo XIV’s statement that the erosion of freedom gives rise to a “slow disintegration of the ethical and spiritual bonds that sustain communities; [whereby] trust gives way to fear, suspicion replaces dialogue and oppression breeds violence”.

Archbishop Caccia said that discrimination against religious groups is today amplified online, where hostile narratives can spread rapidly and shape public perceptions, and called for stronger educational initiatives, particularly in the area of digital literacy, to help users develop critical thinking skills.

He encouraged “authentic interreligious dialogue, enabling differences to become a source of enrichment rather than division and ensuring that no religion is exploited or instrumentalised”.

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the dicastery for interreligious dialogue, expressed his “closeness, solidarity and respect” in a message to “Muslim brothers and sisters” ahead of Id Al-Fitr, the feast of the end of Ramadan, which will be celebrated on 20 March.

Cardinal Koovakad said, “This year, through a providential convergence of calendars, Christians observe this period of fasting and devotion alongside you during the holy season of Lent, which leads the Church toward the celebration of Easter. During this spiritually intense period, we seek to follow God’s will more faithfully.

“We, Christians and Muslims, together with all people of good will, are called to imagine and to open new paths by which life may be renewed. This renewal is made possible through a creativity nourished by prayer, the discipline of fasting that clears our inner vision, and concrete acts of charity.

“Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those among you who struggle or suffer in body or spirit because of your thirst for justice, equality, dignity and freedom: please be assured of my spiritual closeness, and know that the Catholic Church stands in solidarity with you. We are united not only by our shared experience of trial, but also by the sacred task of restoring peace to our broken world.

“Such peace is a gift received from God and nurtured by defusing hostility through dialogue, practicing justice, and cherishing forgiveness. Through this shared season of Ramadan and Lent, may our inner transformation become a catalyst for a renewed world, where the weapons of war give way to the courage of peace.”

Bishop Patrick McKinney, the lead bishop for interreligious dialogue for the bishops’ conference of England and Wales, welcomed the Vatican’s message to Muslims on the occasion of the month of Ramadan and for the feast of Id al-Fitr.

“I am so pleased that, due to a convergence of the calendars for Lent and Ramadan, we find that Catholics and Muslims are both engaged in fasting at this time,” said Bishop McKinney. “May our fasting bear much fruit in the living out our lives of faith.”

A welcome defence of diversity and freedom

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