Religious Leaders Condemn Wars in Gaza and Ukraine at Astana Congress

Religious leaders from more than 60 countries gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan, on September 17-18, 2025, for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, where they issued a unified condemnation of the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. The congress, which has grown into a significant platform for global interfaith dialogue, saw participants stress the urgent need for peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among faiths in the face of escalating global conflicts.

Calls for Peace and Moral Leadership

In his opening remarks, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the current global climate as one of rising tension and instability, citing the devastating human and economic toll of hybrid wars. Tokayev argued that the moral authority of religious leaders is more vital than ever, urging them to remind political leaders of their responsibilities to pursue peace and uphold universal values such as the sanctity of life, compassion, and mercy. He proposed the creation of a global “Movement for Peace” under the congress’s umbrella, envisioning religious hierarchies as the moral backbone of a neutral, apolitical call to end violence.

The congress’s final declaration, read at the closing session by George Jacob Kuttianickal of the Holy See, endorsed Tokayev’s peace initiative and called for intensified international dialogue. The declaration urged the international community and the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the congress’s two-decade contribution to fostering dialogue and harmony among religions, and to support its efforts to strengthen peace and mutual understanding.

Interfaith Dialogue Amid Global Crises

Pope Leo XIV, in a message to the congress, emphasized that religions should be a wellspring of healing rather than a source of division. He called on the faithful of all religions to build a future of peace, fraternity, and solidarity, highlighting that authentic religious collaboration does not erase differences but embraces diversity as a source of mutual enrichment. The Pope’s message echoed the congress’s theme, “Dialogue of Religions: Synergy for the Future,” and underscored the Catholic Church’s commitment to fostering synergy among faiths for the common good.

The congress featured high-profile participants, including Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, Israel’s Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Kalman Ber, and Chief Sephardic Rabbi David Yosef. The Chief Rabbis reiterated the Jewish commitment to peace and the Torah’s command to preserve every human life, stressing that faith must never be used to justify hatred or violence. A special session, organized with the support of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, addressed the protection of religious sites amid rising threats to sacred places worldwide.

Tensions and Achievements in Astana

While the congress was marked by calls for unity, it was not without tension. According to Kazakh political scientist Marat Shibutov, heated exchanges occurred between some religious leaders, notably between Israel’s Chief Sephardic Rabbi and an imam from Al-Azhar, reflecting the deep divisions that persist even in interfaith settings. Despite these challenges, organizers managed to maintain dialogue and reach consensus on the final declaration.

The event reinforced Kazakhstan’s growing role as a respected international center for intercultural and interfaith dialogue. Delegates agreed to hold the 9th Congress in Astana in 2028, and the final declaration will be circulated as an official document during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. The congress’s outcomes highlight both the potential and the difficulties of leveraging religious diplomacy to address some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.