In the absence of a traditional father figure, a dominant male authority had taken his place.

In the absence of a traditional father figure, a dominant male authority had taken his place.

In the heart of Astana, Kazakhstan, the capital city, the World Religious Leaders Congress is underway. This annual gathering, which has been taking place since 2003, is dedicated to fostering peace and promoting tolerance among various religious communities.

This year's congress has seen a significant increase in attendance, with hundreds of religious leaders from around the globe convening at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, across the street from the Palace of Independence. However, some sessions, such as the panel with high-ranking officials, were held in the Palace of Independence.

One of the notable attendees was President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who held a separate meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia before the event. Despite his attendance, Patriarch Kirill was not found in the meeting hall. President Tokayev expressed confidence that religious leaders can change the world for the better and prevent it from sliding into chaos. He also believes that they can remind politicians of common sense, goodwill, and moral responsibility.

Among the other attendees were deputies of the Mazhilis, who were present and posed for a photo opportunity. Edil Janetov, one of these deputies, was met in the corridors but was mostly asked about internal matters regarding parliamentary reform in Kazakhstan.

Pope Francis XIV did not attend the event in Astana but sent a welcoming message. His message called on religious leaders to pray together, serve together, and speak with one voice in defense of human dignity.

Deputy Ponomarev, who was also at the event, emphasized that no religion calls for war. Artificial Intelligence has been a hot topic at the congress, with discussions centering around its potential impact on religious practices and communities.

Many participants were not available for media interviews, but those who were ready to speak did so in various languages. Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, the head of the Vatican’s interreligious dialogue department, held a separate meeting with President Tokayev before the congress.

The World Religious Leaders Congress continues to be a significant platform for promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding among different religious communities. As the discussions and debates continue, the hope is that the insights and commitments made during this event will contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful world.