“To safeguard human dignity, collective responsibility must be encouraged. The economy must serve the people, not vice versa … There should be solidarity towards all, especially the poor,” the nuncio pointed out in an indirect reference to India’s economic inequality. The majority of its 1.43 billion people live in poverty, despite the country’s booming economy.
Referring to the continuing bloody ethnic conflict in Manipur state, which borders Myanmar, Girelli, who formerly served as nuncio to Indonesia, Jerusalem, and Palestine, said: “For building peace, the need of the hour is to address the root cause [of the conflict] and develop a culture of peace touching the conscience of the people.”
Beginning in May 2023, Manipur has witnessed a protracted violent clash between the majority Meiteis, most of whom are Hindus, and the minority Kukis, almost all of whom are Christians, leaving more than 200 dead. Over 50,000 Kukis along with over 10,000 Meiteis have been driven out from their respective minority areas in the simmering violence.
As a “concrete suggestion” for the Church, Girelli said that “with general elections coming up, all Christians eligible to vote should be motivated to cast their votes, as it is an important duty.”
In casting their votes, the nuncio said, “one has to keep in mind that the representative will respect religious freedom, uphold human dignity, and foster the democratic process.”
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