09-MAY-2025,02:55 PM In a diplomatic gesture reflecting India’s commitment to global dialogue, PM Modi extended warm greetings to Pope Leo XIV, reaffirming the country’s intention to strengthen ties with the Vatican and engage in meaningful discussions with the Holy See. The Prime Minister’s message emphasized India’s longstanding values of peace, interfaith harmony, and global cooperation — values shared by both nations despite cultural and geographical distances.
This communication comes at a time when global leaders are increasingly leaning into faith-based diplomacy and cultural outreach, recognizing the influence religious leaders and institutions hold in shaping a peaceful and collaborative global order.
PM Modi Reinforces India’s Diplomatic Vision with the Holy See
PM Modi Underlines Shared Values of Peace and Mutual Respect
PM Modi, in his message to Pope Leo XIV, highlighted the common values that bind India and the Holy See, especially in promoting peace, compassion, and inclusive development. The Indian Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Vatican’s role in global humanitarian efforts and reiterated India’s openness to continued dialogue on issues like social justice, interfaith tolerance, climate action, and global health.
“India values the rich spiritual traditions and the moral leadership the Holy See provides to the world,” PM Modi stated in his message. “Our dialogue is not just diplomatic; it is a meeting of civilizational wisdoms.”
The Prime Minister’s message was delivered through diplomatic channels, accompanied by a symbolic gift representing Indian culture and heritage — a gesture that further deepened the sense of mutual respect.
Growing Engagement Between India and the Holy See
PM Modi’s Message Reflects India’s Expanding Soft Power Diplomacy
This outreach by PM Modi is part of a broader effort by India to strengthen ties with influential global institutions and spiritual leaders. Over the past decade, India has significantly elevated its global diplomatic profile, and its relationship with the Holy See has remained respectful and constructive.
In 2021, PM Modi had a historic meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican during his visit to Rome for the G20 Summit. That interaction marked the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and a Pope in more than two decades. The meeting was widely praised as a sign of goodwill, particularly among India’s Christian community and global observers of interfaith dialogue.
With Pope Leo XIV recently succeeding Pope Francis, PM Modi’s latest message reaffirms India’s commitment to continuing this constructive engagement.
PM Modi Highlights India’s Commitment to Religious Harmony
PM Modi Calls for Global Unity Through Spiritual Dialogue
In his message, PM Modi also emphasized India’s pluralistic tradition and its deep respect for all religions and faiths. He highlighted how India, home to all major world religions, upholds the values of co-existence, dialogue, and non-violence — ideals that resonate with the Vatican’s teachings.
“Spiritual leadership is vital in today’s world, where conflict and division threaten peace. India and the Holy See can together amplify messages of love, dialogue, and service,” PM Modi noted.
This emphasis on spiritual dialogue comes at a time when global conflict zones are in desperate need of moral leadership that transcends political divides. PM Modi’s words reflect India’s aspiration to play a constructive role in this space, drawing on its ancient values and modern democratic framework.
The Holy See Responds: A Message of Friendship and Partnership
Pope Leo XIV Welcomes PM Modi’s Greetings and Commitment to Dialogue
According to diplomatic sources, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged PM Modi’s message with warmth and appreciation. In his response, the Pope expressed hope for deeper cooperation between India and the Vatican on global humanitarian issues, especially poverty eradication, refugee assistance, and climate action.
The Holy See also noted India’s immense contribution to global peacekeeping, cultural diplomacy, and interfaith initiatives, calling it a beacon of hope in an increasingly polarized world.
Religious Diplomacy: India’s Strategic Soft Power Approach
PM Modi’s Global Vision Includes Cultural and Spiritual Alliances
PM Modi has often spoken about the importance of soft power in foreign policy — from yoga and Ayurveda to Buddhism and spiritual diplomacy. His outreach to Pope Leo XIV is in line with this broader vision of promoting India’s cultural values on the world stage.
Over the years, India has engaged with global faith leaders including the Dalai Lama, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Islamic scholars from across the Middle East. These engagements have not only helped strengthen India’s bilateral ties but have also enhanced its global moral standing.
The message to the Holy See also comes ahead of several interfaith conferences where India is expected to play a prominent role. By initiating conversation at the highest spiritual levels, PM Modi is strategically positioning India as a bridge between civilizations.
Indian Christian Community Welcomes PM Modi’s Gesture
PM Modi’s Message Seen as Sign of Unity and Mutual Respect
The Indian Christian community has welcomed PM Modi’s greetings to Pope Leo XIV, viewing it as a gesture of goodwill and respect toward Christian heritage and institutions. Leaders from various Christian denominations in India praised the Prime Minister for upholding the nation’s tradition of religious inclusivity.
Father Dominic D’Souza, a Catholic priest based in Mumbai, commented:
“It is heartening to see the Prime Minister extending his hand in friendship to the Vatican. This strengthens the spirit of national integration and international brotherhood.”
This response adds to the growing appreciation for India’s efforts to maintain religious harmony in an increasingly divided world.
Conclusion: PM Modi’s Message to Pope Leo XIV Strengthens Moral Diplomacy
In sending his greetings to Pope Leo XIV, PM Modi has once again demonstrated India’s commitment to respectful global engagement rooted in moral and cultural values. His message is more than a diplomatic formality — it is an invitation to align global efforts around compassion, peace, and sustainable development.
As the world grapples with humanitarian crises, religious extremism, and environmental degradation, leadership that brings moral clarity is needed more than ever. PM Modi’s gesture reflects India’s readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s spiritual institutions to forge a more peaceful and united future.
This act of diplomacy through dialogue — particularly with the Holy See — places India in a unique position to lead from a place of ancient wisdom and inclusive modernity.
Source : ANI
