Hindus welcome Pope’s inter-religious call

(October 21, 2010) Hindus have lauded the Pope’s recent statement stressing the need for Catholic seminarians to learn about different religions. “It is a very positive statement from the Pope (that) will help in a comparative study of all religions,” said Swamy Agnivesh, a social reformist. One should have knowledge about every religion, added Karuna Shukla, leader of the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party. In a letter to seminarians worldwide, released in the Vatican on Monday, Pope Benedict XVI said that “the need for a basic introduction to the great religions is as important as knowing various Christian denominations.” Swamy Agnivesh added the Pope’s suggestion would help young people learn about other religions’ positive values. Arjun Nirala, a senior journalist, says the Pope’s suggestion will also help clarify misconceptions about other religions. Father Babu Joseph, the spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, CBCI, agreed, saying this will strengthen inter-religious dialogue.