Address of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill at the Opening of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions

On September 17, 2025, in Astana, the solemn opening of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions took place, dedicated to the theme “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Sake of the Future.” His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ addressed the participants of the Congress.

Your Excellency, dear Kassym-Jomart Tokayev! Distinguished participants of the Congress!

Today, on the hospitable Kazakh land, prominent religious leaders, representatives of international organizations, diplomats, and people of good will have once again gathered. I warmly recall my visit to Kazakhstan in 2012 and my participation in the IV Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the remarkable atmosphere of that forum, and the fellowship among its participants. Today’s assembly continues that tradition, but it is quite obvious that the level and authority of this international platform have significantly grown. The accompanying events and conferences, the youth forum, cultural initiatives, and conceptual documents – all these bear the mark of professionalism, valuable content, and relevance. I would like to express my gratitude personally to you, Mr. President, and to the Government of Kazakhstan, which has established permanent mechanisms for interreligious dialogue, exchange of views, and peacemaking activity.

Back in 2012, in my speech at the Congress, I said that attempts to build human life without God and religion would bring nothing good. I remember how we discussed this theme with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev some time later, in 2014, when we met at the Trinity–Sergius Lavra. I was pleased that my words were carefully listened to then and, most importantly, taken into account in the subsequent work of the Congresses of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.

Today’s international situation once again proves that a world that denies God is a world without a future. Bloody conflicts, serious economic and environmental problems, terrorism, violations of basic human rights – all these are direct consequences of attempts to drive religion out of society, leaving it only a narrow place in the private sphere of the individual.

We all know well that, despite the existing differences between traditional religions, they are united by a common goal – faith in God and moral fidelity to this faith. A society of truly believing people is able to exist and develop in peace and prosperity. History itself testifies: how many times did the Lord punish His chosen people for unbelief and moral corruption! Great empires ceased to exist because of a crisis of faith, moral decay, atheism, and the absence of a unifying spiritual idea.

Despite the turmoil around us, it should be said that the activity of proponents of secular ideology also produces a reverse reaction, especially among young people. Today, particularly in the post-Soviet space, there is an increase of religiosity among the younger generation. This contrasts with some other regions, and we see more and more young people in churches, mosques, synagogues, and datsans. However, youth must be protected from radicalism and directed toward the creative path of dialogue and respect. In this regard, the idea of holding interreligious youth forums within our Congresses deserves every support, for they give young believers an opportunity to communicate directly, rather than through biased social networks and media channels.

One can pronounce many lofty words about peace, human rights, and the need to protect the oppressed. But words must always be confirmed by deeds – and the theme of today’s forum calls us all to joint action. Therefore, we religious leaders wholeheartedly support peacebuilding initiatives of people of good will, aimed at overcoming crises and establishing lasting peace.

An important aspect of today’s forum is close cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. I believe this is an opportunity for us to ensure the worthy representation of religious leaders in this important international organization. The idea of creating a Consultative Council of Religions at the UN, which we together with a number of esteemed religious leaders (some of whom are here today) attempted to realize nearly 20 years ago, has not lost its relevance. Unfortunately, supporters of radical secularism prevented it then. The participation of traditional communities’ leaders would undoubtedly strengthen the peacemaking potential of the UN. Our joint voice, reflecting different religions and nations, could be the voice of conscience and reconciliation. We are glad to welcome UN representatives here today, and I hope this will help promote our ideas within UN platforms.

Religious leaders truly have something to say to the world to make it better and safer in the future. Believers are bearers of centuries-old religious culture that presupposes mutual respect, peace, and creative cooperation. Thanks to this, representatives of different religions and nationalities live peacefully together, in Russia, Kazakhstan, and many other places, working for the good of their countries and peoples.

Concluding my address, I would like to quote the words of the Gospel: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Christ spoke these words to His disciples during His farewell discourse before He was raised up on the Cross. True peace is possible only when a person is at peace with God, with his Creator – and this places great responsibility on the human being. We have gathered here today in a union of peace to foster friendly relations and to contribute our testimony of faith. May God grant that this faith is always accompanied by good works. With one voice we affirm that only such faith, supported by deeds of love and a moral way of life, can be the foundation of genuine and unshakable peace.

Let our united voice sound as loud as possible. May the final declaration we adopt be yet another reminder that the very existence of humanity depends on the spiritual and moral condition of the human being.

Thank you for your attention.