"... more than multiculturalism it would be good to speak of interculturalism. The first term, the prelate proposed, simply describes two or more cultures in the same space. Interculturalism, meanwhile, connotes “stable relations between the cultures present in a certain geographic space and emphasizes the attitudes, the objectives to attain and the educational itineraries that lead to this encounter of cultures.”

Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers president Archbishop Antonio Veglio says that it’s time to speak of interculturalism instead of multiculturalism.

Archbishop Vegliò made this proposal at a conference on the Christian-Jewish-Muslim interfaith dialogue, under way through Friday in Hungary. The conference is sponsored by the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, and includes a variety of high-level representatives from the three monotheistic religions.

Archbishop Vegliò addressed “Common Values in the Ambit of the Religious and Social Impact of Migrations,” stressing that education and dialogue are the two key instruments for a new model of life based on interculturalism.

The prelate, who will be in Hungary through Monday for a pastoral visit at the invitation of Monsignor Janos Szekely, the Hungarian bishops’ official for the ministry to migrants and travelers, noted how Europe is a historically multi-cultural reality.

He spoke of how this is a positive phenomena, making it possible to enrich one’s own life situation and keep from being shut in and thus impoverished.

But, he said, more than multiculturalism it would be good to speak of interculturalism. The first term, the prelate proposed, simply describes two or more cultures in the same space.

Interculturalism, meanwhile, connotes “stable relations between the cultures present in a certain geographic space and emphasizes the attitudes, the objectives to attain and the educational itineraries that lead to this encounter of cultures.”

“Approach” isn’t enough, he insisted, since “exchange” is also necessary - “and not a simple exchange of what one has, but above all of what one is.”

Integration is “not a one way process,” the 73-year-old Vatican official affirmed. “Natives as well as immigrants must be ready to undertake the way of dialogue and of reciprocal enrichment, which makes possible the appreciation and acceptance of the positive aspects of each,” he said.

In this regard, the prelate recognized, respect for migrants and their cultural identity must of course be taken into account, while on guard for elements “contrary to ethical and universal values, or to fundamental human rights.”

“The promotion of the intercultural dimension calls for the acceptance of fundamental values and principles, which must be considered indispensable and the basis of the construction of our European societies,” indicated Archbishop Vegliò. “The various religious confessions and their places of worship have a particular mission to fulfill to foster the adoption of these values by all those who arrive to our continent.”

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