Vatican cardinal visits UK to promote interfaith dialogue and peace

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Vaticanʼs Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, is undertaking his first official visit to the United Kingdom.

Running Oct. 16–22, the high-profile visit centers on the theme "Together in Prayer and Dialogue for Peace.”

Koovakad’s itinerary includes visits to London and Birmingham, featuring meetings with representatives from various faith traditions, including members of the Dharmic and Sikh communities.

The weeklong journey includes marking the 10th anniversary of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain and addressing seminarians to emphasize grassroots bridge-building.

The last official visit to the U.K. by the head of the Vaticanʼs Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue took place in 2013, when Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran undertook a similar high-profile journey to engage with faith communities in Britain.

As Pope Leo XIV recovers at Romeʼs Gemelli Hospital following a successful surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his lung, high-profile diplomatic initiatives like Koovakad’s U.K. visit are vital for maintaining the Vaticanʼs active global engagement and reinforcing the Holy See’s continuous commitment to…