Vatican Dialogue Council wishes Hindus joyous Diwali

The head of the Vaticans' interfaith dialogue body has wished Hindus around the world a a joyous Diwali with a message highlighting care for environment.
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, in his Diwali message said, "May your celebrations across the globe lead you to an experience of happiness and harmony in your families and communities."
"His Holiness Pope Francis...Has recently addressed the environmental and human ecological crisis threatening our planet. Thus we deem it opportune to share, in keeping with our cherished tradition, some thoughts on the need to promote human ecology, and to foster a rediscovery of the interconnectedness of creation," Tauran said in a statement yesterday.

"Human ecology points to the relationship and responsibility which humans have towards the earth and to the cultivation of ecological virtues," Vatican Radio reported, citing the statement.
Human selfishness, as evidenced in consumerist and hedonistic tendencies in some individuals and groups, nurtures an insatiable desire to be "masters" and "conquerors" rather than "guardians" and "stewards" of nature, it said.
"There is an inseparable link between our harmony with creation and our peace with one another. If peace is to prevail in the world, we must, together and as individuals, consciously give ourselves to "protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks of respect and fraternity.

"United by our humanity and mutual responsibility, as well as our shared values and convictions, may we Hindus and Christians, together with people of all religious traditions and good will, always foster a culture which promotes human ecology," the statement said.
"With these sentiments, we wish you all a joyous Deepavali!" it added.