ASIA/INDIA - Inter-religious meeting for peace to commemorate John Paul II on the first anniversary of his death

New Delhi (Fides Service) - Initiatives to commemorate Pope John Paul II on the first anniversary of his death 2 April 2005 have been organised in various towns and states of India.
The most important on 2 April New Delhi will be an Interreligious Meeting for Peace promoted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India in collaboration with the local authorities, civil society groups and associations and the Indian branch of the Catholic aid agency Caritas. The event, World Peace Rally, will comprise a public commemoration prayer service in the morning followed in the afternoon by a Conference with the intervention of Christian, Hindu and Muslim religious leaders and prominent political and intellectual figures who will speak on different aspects of the life and work of John Paul II.
A Bishops’ Conference statement announcing the event said its purpose was to bring together believers of different religions “to pay homage to the memory of John Paul II, a man of great faith, peace and humanity”. The Bishops are convinced that at a time of religious tension in India the memory of Karol Wojtyla universally appreciated and recognised by believers of all faiths will “amplify the Christian message of social and religious harmony, integral development of peoples and peace on the international scene”.
Caritas and other Catholic agencies involved in social assistance will contribute to the event confirming their commitment to working for human promotion, education, healthcare and improving the living conditions of the poorest of the poor without distinction of race or religion. The organisations will commemorate John Paul II tireless defender of the dignity and the rights of every human person. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/3/2006 righe 28 parole 271)