US Hindu leader organises multifaith prayers, candlelight vigil for Pope Francis

Source: Rajan Zed

Religious leaders belonging to widely diverse faiths, will be gathering on Sunday, 2 March, in Reno, Nevada to hold a candlelight vigil and offering special prayers in their respective traditions for the full and swift recovery of Pope Francis, hospitalized in Rome.

Organized by Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and hosted by Unity Minister Toni King; it will include prayers from several Christian denominations, as well as Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i, Native American, in English, Spanish, Arabic, Sanskrit, Pali, Persian, Hebrew, Paiute languages.

An atheist speaker has also been invited to share his thoughts. World-renowned musician, Oscar Dallas Smith, is scheduled to deliver special healing ragas on a bansuri (ancient side-blown bamboo flute), evoking specific emotions in listeners.

"We, the leaders of various religions and denominations, would be standing together as a single united spiritual family and praying for the protection of the physical, mental, and spiritual health of Pope Francis; and seek energy, peace and strength for him; so that he could continue to inspire millions worldwide and promote a more compassionate and inclusive society" Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out.

We, as religious leaders, should show solidarity in seeking a closer walk with God as we focus on the healing of Pope Francis so he can continue serving humanity with his visionary leadership based on humility, inclusivity, moral courage, service orientation, etc.; host Toni King said.

Rajan Zed also urged religious leaders worldwide to keep Pope Francis in their thoughts, wishing him swift healing, so that he could continue furthering his ministry of building bridges of peace, championing oppressed and poor, freedom of religion, global outreach, interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, emphasizing shared values and the pursuit of the common good.

This multi-faith prayer and candlelight service for Pope Francis will be held at Unity Center of Reno, 2207 Kings Row, Reno, NV 89503; on Sunday, 2 March, starting 10.30am. All are welcome. Coffee and snacks will be available after the service and there is no charge to attend.