UPDATE – 1 November 2025
The Institute of Jainology took an active part in the Nostra Aetate 60 conference in Rome, where its presentations were well received by both organisers and delegates. The sessions allowed the Jain community to set out its perspective clearly and to add substance to the ongoing Jain–Catholic relationship.
Dr Mehool Sanghrajka opened the IOJ contributions with “Reimagining Nostra Aetate – A Jain Viewpoint.” He suggested that any updated reading of Nostra Aetate should focus on shared ethical principles rather than historical disputes. Drawing on Jain ideas of non-violence, many-sidedness, and restraint, he explained how these values can address present-day concerns such as environmental decline, social tension, and the lack of constructive dialogue between communities.
Samani Dr Amal Pragya followed with a paper examining the declaration from a Jain standpoint. She outlined how its call for respect between traditions aligns with Jain teachings, and described the relevance of Jain approaches to non-violence, plural viewpoints, and simplicity in today’s political and ecological climate. Her talk gave a clear account of how these principles can guide practical engagement with other faiths.
Both presentations helped to show how Jain thought can contribute to the wider conversation on interreligious cooperation. IOJ’s involvement also continued its longstanding work with Vatican institutions, and the organisers expressed their appreciation for the clarity and depth of the Jain input.
Download Speeches:
Dr. Mehool Sanghrajka:
Sanghrajka - Reimagining Nostra Aetate - the Jain perspective Nov25
Rome, 27–29 October 2025
This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark declaration of the Second Vatican Council that transformed the Catholic Church’s relationship with people of other faiths. To commemorate and re-examine its continuing significance, the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome is hosting an international conference entitled “Towards the Future: Re-Thinking Nostra Aetate Today.”
The event is organised by the Cardinal Bea Centre for Judaic Studies and the Gregorian Centre for Interreligious Studies, with the support of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue and the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews.
The three-day conference brings together theologians, scholars, and faith leaders to reflect on the progress made since 1965 and to explore how Nostra Aetate might be renewed in today’s pluralistic world. The organisers note that religious traditions once regarded as minor now have greater visibility and influence, and that new global challenges call for deeper interfaith engagement and mutual understanding.
For the Institute of Jainology (IOJ), this commemoration is particularly meaningful. Although Nostra Aetate did not originally name Jainism, its message of respect for all faiths, its recognition of shared moral values, and its call for dialogue across traditions all resonate deeply with Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (many-sided truth), and Aparigraha (non-attachment).
Over the past two decades, IOJ has worked closely with the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and other Christian institutions to promote understanding of Jain philosophy and practice. The Institute regularly participates in interfaith conferences and has hosted Vatican representatives at the House of Commons during the annual Ahimsa Day celebrations.
Jain Delegation
A delegation of Jains from the United Kingdom and India will be attending the Nostra Aetate 60 conference, representing the Jain community and sharing Jain perspectives on interreligious harmony and ethical living.
The delegation is led by Dr Mehool Sanghrajka, Managing Trustee of the Institute of Jainology, and includes:
- Samani Dr Amal Pragya (India)
- Samani Dr Shreyas Pragya (India)
- Dr Saurabh Maheshkumar Shah
- Jayesh Shah
- Shandip Shah
- Sangeeta Bavisha
- Dilip Bavisha
- Ajitkumar Hirji Shah
- Nilesh Kothari
Their participation reflects the growing recognition of Jainism as a tradition offering timeless insights into compassion, truth, and peaceful coexistence — values that align closely with the spirit of Nostra Aetate.
Continuing Dialogue
As the global community reflects on sixty years of Nostra Aetate, IOJ welcomes this renewed focus on dialogue and inclusion. The principles it established in 1965 remain vital in today’s diverse and interconnected world.
Themes of environmental concern, moral responsibility, and non-violence — central to both Catholic and Jain thought — provide fertile ground for collaboration and mutual learning.
Two official documents about the conference are available below:
- Download: Locandina Nostra Aetate 60 (Event Doc)
- Download: Press Release – Nostra Aetate 60 (Pontifical Gregorian University)
The Institute of Jainology congratulates the organisers and participants of this landmark event and reaffirms its commitment to promoting interfaith understanding, dialogue, and peace in the spirit of Ahimsa.
