Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue

Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, concluded his official visit to Bangladesh with a heartfelt appeal for mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among religious communities.

On a week-long visit to Bangladesh, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, celebrated Mass at Tejgaon Holy Rosary Parish, one of the oldest and most prominent parishes in the Archdiocese of Dhaka, on September 7.

On July 3, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Joseph Chau Ngoc Tri of the Diocese of Lang Son-Cao Bang, Vietnam, as a member of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The Vatican announced the appointment of several bishops and cardinals from Asia to serve as members of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue on July 3, a move that underscores Pope Leo’s recognition of the importance of Asia’s diverse religious landscape in the Church’s global mission of peacebuilding, understanding, and interfaith cooperation.