# Cardinal Koovakad: Nonviolence is Courageous Commitment to Justice

> Cardinal Koovakad links Jain nonviolence to Christian peace efforts amid global conflict.
- Title: Cardinal Koovakad: Nonviolence is Courageous Commitment to…
- Summary: Cardinal Koovakad links Jain nonviolence to Christian peace efforts amid global conflict. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad says nonviolence is a courageous…
- Keywords: cardinal george jacob koovakad, ahimsa day, interreligious dialogue, jainism, catholicism, nonviolence, british parliament, pope francis, pope benedict xvi, assisi gathering, religion, world
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-10/cardinal-koovakad-nonviolence-is-a-courageous-commitment.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-20T07:59:57.198+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cardinal george jacob koovakad, ahimsa day, interreligious dialogue, jainism, catholicism, nonviolence, british parliament, pope francis, pope benedict xvi, assisi gathering, religion, world
## Ahimsa Day Message
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad spoke at an Ahimsa Day celebration at the British Parliament on Monday, 19 October 2026.

> In a world wounded by war, hatred and environmental destruction, nonviolence is not a sign of weakness but a courageous commitment to justice, reconciliation and peace.
## Ahimsa: Nonviolence Principle
Ahimsa, a Sanskrit term meaning 'not injury', is central to Jain philosophy and avoids harm in thought, word and deed.

> Ahimsa calls for respect for every form of life and a commitment to avoiding harm wherever possible.
## Gandhi and Nonviolence
Mahatma Gandhi drew on Jain Ahimsa to develop nonviolent resistance, demonstrating its power for social and political change.

> Through his struggle for India's independence, Gandhi demonstrated how nonviolence could become an active instrument of social and political change.
## Fourty Years of Dialogue
Jain-Catholic relations began in 1986 with Pope John Paul II inviting a Jain spiritual leader to Assisi.

> The invitation marked the beginning of a relationship that would develop through successive encounters.
## Spirit of Assisi
Cardinal Koovakad highlights Saint Francis of Assisi's legacy of peace, simplicity and care for creation.

> Saint Francis, he said, remains an example of peace, simplicity, fraternity and care for creation.
## Building Bridges
Religious communities should cooperate without abandoning identities to address global conflicts and ecological crises.

> The Jain, Catholic dialogue must become such a bridge, connecting communities, educating young people, defending the dignity of life.
## Final Appeal
Cardinal Koovakad urged religious groups to disarm hearts and walk together in the spirit of Ahimsa.

> May we disarm our hearts and walk together in the noble spirit of Ahimsa!
## Key takeaway

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad says nonviolence is a courageous commitment to justice, not weakness, in a world marked by war and environmental destruction.