Religious leaders of other denominations participated in this occation.
His Holiness Pope Francis stressed to the assembled faith leaders, the urgency of "healing and unity, not further conflict and division" in the country.
Surely, 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," he said. "It is my hope that inter-religious and ecumenical cooperation will demonstrate that men and women do not have to forsake their identity, whether ethnic or religious, in order to live in harmony with their brothers and sisters."
But the Pope also said that for inter-religious dialogue to be effective, "it must be grounded in a full and forthright presentation of our respective convictions."
He also warned that, for the sake of peace, "religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war."
Mementos were presented to His Holiness by the Maha Sangha at this event.
