Cardinal Koovakad: Nonviolence is courageous commitment to justice

Speaking at an Ahimsa Day celebration at the British Parliament, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad highlights the shared commitment of Jains and Catholics to nonviolence, urging religious communities to become bridges of peace in a world marked by conflict and division.

By Francesca Merlo

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, delivered a message during an Ahimsa Day celebration organised by the Institute of Jainology at the British Parliament in London on Monday, 19 October.

In it, he stressed that in a world wounded by war, hatred and environmental destruction, nonviolence is not a sign of weakness but a courageous commitment to justice, reconciliation and peace.

Addressing Jain spiritual leaders, representatives of different religious traditions, lawmakers and peace activists, the Cardinal reflected on the importance of nonviolence in both Jainism and Christianity, while highlighting four decades of dialogue between the Jain community and the Holy See.

Ahimsa: The principle of nonviolence

The Sanskrit word Ahimsa comes from a, meaning “not”, and himsa, meaning “injury” or “harm”. It expresses the principle of nonviolence towards all living beings, not only through physical actions but also in thought and speech.

Central to Jain philosophy, Ahimsa calls for respect for every form of life and a commitment to avoiding harm wherever possible.

The principle is also closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, who drew upon the Indian tradition of Ahimsa in developing his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Through his struggle for India's independence, Gandhi demonstrated how nonviolence could become an active instrument of social and political change.

It is this understanding of nonviolence, as something to be practised rather than merely proclaimed, that lies at the heart of Ahimsa Day, an occasion dedicated to promoting peace, compassion and respect for life.

Marking the day, Cardinal Koovakad described Jainism as having “one of humanity’s most comprehensive and rigorous understandings of nonviolence”, rooted in the commitment to avoid harming living beings “in thought, word and deed.”

“In a world wounded by wars, terrorism, hatred, discrimination and the exploitation of nature,” he said, “Ahimsa offers a powerful and timely message.”

Nonviolence is not indifference

The Cardinal went on to draw parallels between the Jain understanding of Ahimsa and the Christian teaching on nonviolence, which he said is rooted in the life and example of Jesus Christ.

Recalling Christ's commandment to love one's enemies and His instruction to Peter to put away his sword, Cardinal Koovakad cited Pope Benedict XVI's teaching that Christian nonviolence does not mean surrendering to evil, but responding to evil with good.

He also recalled Pope Francis' appeal to make active nonviolence a way of life.

“It is neither weakness nor indifference,” the Cardinal stressed. “It is a courageous commitment to justice, reconciliation and peace.”

Fourty years of Jain–Catholic dialogue

Cardinal Koovakad also traced the history of relations between the Jain community and the Holy See, which began in 1986 when Pope John Paul II invited Acharya Shri Tulsi, a Jain spiritual leader, to the historic interreligious gathering for peace in Assisi.

The invitation marked the beginning of a relationship that would develop through successive encounters, including a meeting between Pope John Paul II and an international Jain delegation in 1995, and formal discussions with the then Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in 2011.

Over the years, the two communities have worked together on questions including nonviolence, family life, sustainable development, care for creation and peace.

“What began through individual encounters has developed, over four decades, into an institutional relationship of respect, trust and cooperation,” the Cardinal observed.

His address also came ahead of a Jain–Catholic Conference scheduled for 20 October, which he described as another opportunity for dialogue, reflection and friendship.

The spirit of Assisi

Looking ahead to the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Assisi gathering, which falls on 27 October, Cardinal Koovakad reflected on the enduring relevance of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose death 800 years ago is commemorated by the Catholic Church this year.

Saint Francis, he said, remains an example of peace, simplicity, fraternity and care for creation.

His understanding of all creatures as brothers and sisters, the Cardinal noted, finds common ground with the Jain conviction concerning the interdependence and sacredness of life.

At a time of conflict and environmental destruction, he said, the example of Saint Francis, the spirit of Assisi and the Jain tradition all invite humanity to embrace fraternity, solidarity and nonviolence.

Religions must build bridges

Turning to the importance of interreligious dialogue, Cardinal Koovakad stressed that cooperation between religious traditions does not require them to abandon their distinctive identities.

Rather, he said, it allows communities to draw upon their respective teachings and work together for the common good.

He pointed to Jain principles such as self-restraint, non-possessiveness and the interconnectedness of life, alongside Catholic social teaching on human dignity, solidarity, care for the vulnerable and protection of our common home.

Recalling Pope Leo XIV's call for religions to be the “yeast of unity in a fragmented world”, the Cardinal urged religious communities to become bridges rather than instruments of division.

“The Jain–Catholic dialogue must become such a bridge,” he said, “connecting communities, educating young people, defending the dignity of life and responding together to violence, poverty and ecological crisis.”

Concluding his address, Cardinal Koovakad congratulated Dr Abhay Firodia, recipient of this year's Ahimsa Award, before offering a final appeal:

“May we disarm our hearts and walk together in the noble spirit of Ahimsa!”