Pope Francis cites Sree Narayana Guru's teachings to combat global intolerance
Thiruvananthapuram: Pope Francis emphasised the importance of Sree Narayana Guru's teachings in addressing the growing issues of hate and intolerance worldwide. Speaking at the Vatican on Saturday, the Pope addressed faith leaders during an event commemorating the centenary of the all-religion conference organised by Sree Narayana Guru in Aluva, Kerala.
The Pope described the Guru's message of universal human unity as crucial in today's world, where instances of intolerance and hatred among peoples and nations are on the rise.
"Sree Narayana Guru dedicated his life to promoting social and religious awakening. He emphasised that all human beings, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or cultural traditions, belong to a single human family," the Pope stated.
He further highlighted the Guru's stand against discrimination, saying, "He insisted there should be no discrimination against anyone at any level."
The Pope expressed concern over the ongoing challenges of exclusion, violence, and discrimination based on race, religion, language, and social origins, which disproportionately affect marginalised and voiceless communities.
Referencing the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, co-signed with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Pope Francis reiterated the shared belief that all human beings are equal in rights, duties, and dignity.
He called for strengthening unity in diversity and fostering harmonious coexistence amid differences. "As followers of our respective religious traditions, we must work together to promote respect, dignity, compassion, reconciliation, and solidarity," the Pope remarked, citing a joint declaration issued in September at Istiqlal.
The event, supported by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, saw participation from prominent religious leaders from Kerala.
Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928) was a spiritual leader and social reformer from Kerala. Born into a marginalised Hindu community, he dedicated his life to breaking caste barriers and advocating for equality, non-violence, and religious harmony. His teachings continue to inspire efforts towards social justice and unity.
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Trump says EU has until July 4 to approve last year's trade deal or it will face higher tariffs
Washington (AP): President Donald Trump has said in a social media post that goods from the European Union would face higher tariff rates if the 27-member bloc fails to approve last year's trade framework by July 4.
The announcement on Thursday appeared to be a deadline extension after the president said last Friday that EU autos would face a higher 25 per cent tariff starting this week. Trump made the updated announcement after what he described as a "great call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Still, the US president was displeased that the European Parliament had yet to finalize the trade arrangement reached last year, which was further complicated in February by the US Supreme Court ruling that Trump lacked the legal authority to declare an economic emergency to impose the initial tariffs used to pressure the EU into talks.
"A promise was made that the EU would deliver their side of the Deal and, as per Agreement, cut their Tariffs to ZERO!" Trump posted. "I agreed to give her until our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels."
It was unclear from the post whether Trump was implying that the tariff rates would jump on all EU goods or the increase would only apply to autos.
His latest statement indicates he might be backing away from his earlier threat on EU autos by giving the European Parliament several more weeks to approve the agreement.
Under the original terms of the framework, the US would charge a 15 per cent tax on most goods imported from the EU.
But since the Supreme Court ruling, the administration has levied a 10 per cent tariff while investigating trade imbalances and national security issues, aiming to put in new tariffs to make up for lost revenues.
