BY Ian Dunn | January 13 | 
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Calls for inter-religious dialogue as Pope arrives in Sri Lanka
Pope Francis has called for a ‘full and forthright’ dialogue between religions ‘for the sake of peace’ on the first say of his Papal visit to Sri Lanka.
The Pope was speaking during a meeting at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall where he was greeted by members of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities.
“Religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war,” he said. “We must be clear and unequivocal in challenging our communities to live fully the tenets of peace and coexistence found in each religion, and to denounce acts of violence when they are committed.”
Referring to Sri Lanka’s recent civil war he said that ‘For too many years the men and women of this country have been victims of civil strife and violence.’
“What is needed now is healing and unity, not further conflict and division,” he said. “Surely the fostering of healing and unity is a noble task which is incumbent upon all who have at heart the good of the nation, and indeed the whole human family.”
At this afternoon’s meeting, he was welcomed by the Buddhists in attendance with a ritual chant and, following his speech, a Hindu religious leader placed an orange cape on Francis’s shoulders.
As he did earlier in the day when making a speech upon his arrival at Colombo airport, Pope Francis spoke in English.
At the Airport he called for a ‘great work of rebuilding’ in the wake of the civil war that embraces ‘improving infrastructures and meeting material needs, but also, and even more importantly, promoting human dignity, respect for human rights, and the full inclusion of each member of society.”
The Pope was welcomed by Sri Lanka’s newly-installed President Maithripala Sirisena (above right) and the ceremony involved a 21 gun salute, singing and a procession of elephants.
Meanwhile, a Vatican spokesman has said the Pope is fit and well despite cancelling a lunchtime meeting with Sri Lankan bishops. “The health of the Pope is good. He was a little tired but now has his strength again,” he said.
As part of his trip to South Asia, the Pope will also travel to the Philippines, where he will celebrate an open air mass on Sunday, with up to seven million people expected to attend.
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