On Sunday 18 May 2025, representatives of the Institute of Jainology were honoured to attend the inaugural mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, held at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Representing the global Jain community, Dr Mehool Sanghrajka MBE (Managing Trustee), Mr Dilip Shah (Treasurer), and Mr Amit Lathia (Secretary) joined global heads of state and religious leaders from across the world to mark this historic occasion.
On Monday 19 May, the Jain delegation was further invited to a private audience with His Holiness, alongside other faith leaders. During this special encounter, Dr Sanghrajka presented Pope Leo XIV with a gift on behalf of the global Jain community – a copy of the Tattvārthasūtra, a foundational Jain text composed in the 2nd century by Acharya Umāsvāti, symbolising Jain values of non-violence, truth, and spiritual wisdom.
The Institute of Jainology has maintained a meaningful relationship with the Vatican for over 30 years, rooted in a shared commitment to interfaith dialogue and the promotion of mutual respect among world religions. The Institute was similarly represented at the inauguration of the late Pope Francis in 2013 by the late Dr Harshad Sanghrajka MBE, marking a continued legacy of Jain presence at significant global religious events.
This occasion reaffirms the Institute’s dedication to fostering understanding, peace, and cooperation across all faiths – values deeply embedded in Jain philosophy.
Mr Amit Lathia (Secretary – IOJ) with Pope Leo XIV
Mr Dilip Shah (Treasurer – IOJ) with Pope Leo XIV