Interreligious dialogue: New Cardinal Kikuchi demands cooperation!

Interreligious dialogue: New Cardinal Kikuchi demands cooperation!

The new Japanese Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi (66) has taken an important step with his appointment as cardinal by Pope Francis and calls on the Catholic Church in Asia to intensify the interreligious dialogue. In a conversation with the Catholic online portal Kathpress he emphasized that engagement for the dialogue between different beliefs does not stand in contradiction, but but It was aimed at creating a better world together. In his opinion, the Japanese church should act as a pioneer in peace and protect human rights. Pope Francis had included Kikuchi together with 20 other clergymen in the Cardinal College, which is a historical honor for the Catholic Church in Japan.

In an encompassing message after his appointment, Kikuchi expressed his humility and surprise about the news and asked the believers for constant prayers. "I am humble, surprised and shaken. I need your prayers more than ever," said the cardinal speech in an interview with RV Asia . This appointment is not only an honor for him personally, but also for the entire Catholic community in Japan. Kikuchi is the second member of the society of the divine word (SVD), which serves in this high office, and it can be looking forward to the effects that will be appointed to the relationship between religions and the mission of the Church in Asia. The historical importance of this choice cannot be assessed highly enough, because only two members of the SVD have reached this status for 150 years.

Kikuchi reflects on the moment when he learned about his appointment and shares the emotions of his first reception after the announcement. He is ready to take over the responsibility associated with this office and is looking forward to acting in the service of the church, while at the same time he underlines call to solidarity and prayer with his faith community. Kikuchi's commitment to peace and unity in a diverse world shows this appeal and for interreligious dialogue.