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Religious leaders decry hatred fostered over the Pope's visit

Prominent religious leaders and scholars today questioned the wisdom of the plan of certain forces to create an environment of hatred during the coming visit of Pope John Paul II to India. They urged the Vajpayee government to ensure that no untoward incident occurred.

At a press conference in New Delhi, they said the pope symbolised the image of peace, love and brotherhood and that he would be felicitated at an inter-faith meeting to be held at Vigyan Bhavan on November 7. They said attempts were being made to politicise the event. More than 1,000 delegates of the major 10 faiths of India are to participate in the meeting.

Those who addressed the press conference included the Jagatguru Shankaracharya, Swami Madhavnand Saraswati, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Dr Mohinder Singh and Rev Valson Thampu. Two representatives of the Jain faith were also present.

Without naming the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and its associate organisations, they said that their purpose was to steer the attention of the world upon themselves. Repeated raising of non-issues like forced conversions or by demanding an apology from the pope for what happened in 16th century Goa, cuts no ice with anyone, they said.

The pope was visiting India on a pilgrimage of peace, fascinated by the culture and people of this land he so profoundly loved. Hence, he should be given a rousing welcome, they said. When pointed out that the VHP had announced a March to Delhi from various parts of the country to coincide with the visit, they asked, 'Do they want to win the world with hatred?'

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