The Sivagiri Mutt in Kerala has emerged as a unifying force in the state's social sphere, particularly in interfaith relations. Recently, the mutt organized an all-religion conference at the Vatican, bringing together leaders from Christianity and Islam . This move is significant, considering the current tensions between the two communities over the Munambam waqf land issue.
The conference, held in association with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, commemorated the first All-Religion Conference organized by Sree Narayana Guru in Aluva a century ago. Sivagiri Mutt's head, Swami Sachidananda, led the event alongside three other key figures . The diversity of participants, including Muslim League state president Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal and Syro-Malabar Church Archbishop Raphael Thattil, caught attention
A notable highlight was the meeting organized between Sadiq Ali Thangal and Pope Francis, marking the first time a member from the Panakkad family has visited the Vatican . This historic encounter reflects the mutt's efforts to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation.
Pope Francis' address to the conference emphasized the importance of unity and respect among religions, citing the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together . He encouraged participants to cooperate in promoting a culture of respect, dignity, compassion, reconciliation, and fraternal solidarity
