Interfaith Prayer Meeting for Universal Peace Held in Lucknow

9 May 2025: The Catholic Diocese of Lucknow, under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Mathias, and the Organization for Nuclear Disarmament, World Peace & Environment (ONDWPE), led by its President Dr. Ammar Rizvi, jointly organised a Prayer Meeting for Universal Peace and Brotherhood on 9th May 2025. The gathering took place at the Cathedral Hall in Hazratganj, Lucknow, with the participation of religious leaders from the major world religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Zoroastrianism (Parsi), and Judaism.

This joint statement, accepted by all religious leaders present at the prayer meeting, expresses our deepest longing and sincere wish for peace in the world—especially in the hearts and minds of every citizen, and most particularly, in our beloved country, India. May Peace Prevail on Earth!

We recognize, now more than ever, that nations around the world are in urgent need of real peace. By peace, we do not mean merely the absence of war; rather, peace must include, at its core, mutual understanding among peoples.

Throughout the past 100 years, men and women of goodwill have articulated the essence of peace in profound and beautiful ways. We recall their words:

1. “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
2. “Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.”
3. “Peace is always beautiful.”
4. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
5. “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”
6. “Peace begins with a smile.”
7. “Be united for peace – Encourage people to come together for the common goal of peace.”

Two World Wars and numerous other conflicts have taught us, beyond doubt, the truth of these insights: that peace begins, ultimately, in the human heart.

We have come together in prayer, as religious leaders from diverse faith traditions and spiritual backgrounds, so that through our humble efforts—both in prayer and in action—the people of our time may be inspired to embrace and pursue peace.

May Peace Prevail on Earth…!!

Bishop Gerald J. Mathias

Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Lucknow

Dr. Ammar Rizvi

President, ONDWPE