Religions promote peace when they defend the religious freedom of all, help members learn more about their own religion and encourage them to get to know the beliefs of others, said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.

"Ignorance is the first and, perhaps, the principal enemy in the life of believers," said the cardinal, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

Writing to the world's Hindus in anticipation of their celebration of Divali  – the feast of lights (Nov 9), Cardinal Tauran said Christians and Hindus share a belief that God is the origin of true peace.