The Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS) are proud to jointly host “The Vatican & Inter-Religious Diplomacy in Asia” conference. This two-day event will take place on 29 and 30 August 2024 in Singapore, and will be made available for online participants via Zoom.

In the context of Asia’s religious diversity, where Catholics often constitute a minority, this conference aims to explore the critical role of the Vatican in fostering interfaith diplomacy in the region.  This conference aims to explores the ways in which the Vatican contributes to interfaith diplomacy in contemporary Asia.  Focusing on the perspective of the Vatican as well as the lived realities of Asian Catholics, this conference seeks to deepen scholarly understanding of interfaith diplomacy, interreligious dialogue, and international relations. Given the immense political, religious, and social diversity of Asian societies, the conference aims to examine how Catholic communities and the Vatican recognise and engage with the continent’s religious traditions.  With Pope Francis scheduled to visit four countries in Southeast Asia in September 2024, this conference will bring together distinguished scholars, diplomats, and religious leaders to discuss the Vatican’s and Catholic community’s contributions to interreligious relations in contemporary Asia.

The conference will feature two insightful keynote speeches. Professor Jack Meng-Tat Chia, Associate Professor of History at NUS, will deliver a speech on “Buddhist Diplomacy and Interfaith Engagement in a Global City-State: The Curious Case of Singapore,” highlighting the role of Buddhist diplomacy in Singapore’s foreign relations. Professor Lai Pan-Chiu, Professor of Religious Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will present “Integral Ecology in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’: A Confucian Response,” offering a unique perspective on how Confucian thought aligns with the Catholic concept of integral ecology. Additionally, Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku K., Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, will deliver a plenary address on “The Contribution of the Vatican Dicastery for Inter-religious Dialogue to Fostering Religious Harmony in Asia,” exploring the Vatican’s pivotal role in promoting peace and understanding across the diverse religious landscapes of Asia.

Other esteemed speakers include Ambassador Barry Desker – Distinguished Fellow at RSIS, Ambassador Janet Ang – Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr Nazirudin Nasir – Mufti of Singapore, Professor Lai Pan-Chiu – Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Paul Hedges – S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), and various others.  The conference’s panel discussions will cover a range of topics, including the Vatican’s diplomatic strategies, national approaches to promoting inter-religious harmony, and the lived experiences of religious communities in Asia. The conference will conclude with a series of learning visits to significant religious sites in Singapore, further highlighting the city-state’s role as a model of religious coexistence.

This conference is a unique opportunity for academics, policymakers, and religious leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on the role of the Vatican in Asia’s inter-religious landscape, offering a platform for fostering greater understanding and collaboration among diverse faith communities.

For enquiries, email [email protected].

Click here to register.