Pope Francis welcomes a delegation of Buddhists from Thailand and reiterates Pope VI’s sentiments for the spiritual, moral and socio-cultural treasures of the Buddhist tradition.
by Linda Bordonic
“At a time when our human family and the planet are facing manifold threats,” the need for interreligious dialogue and cooperation is increasingly urgent, Pope Francis invites Buddhists to continue working closely with the Catholic Church. He said, “To cultivate compassion and hospitality for all human beings, especially the poor and marginalised.”
The Pope was addressing a delegation from Thailand, which included thirty-three prominent Buddhist monks from both Theravada and Mahayana schools, including 60 Buddhists and several representatives of the Thai Catholic Church. They are in Rome to attend a conference titled Friendship between Buddhists and Christians for a Culture of Encounterat Pontifical Urban University.
Golden Jubilee
Thank you for visiting the Vatican on the 50th anniversary of the historic meeting between Pope Saint Paul VI and His Reverend Somdej Fra Vannarat, 17.th Thailand’s Supreme Buddhist Patriarch, on 5 June 1972, the Pope expressed his desire to renew the bonds of friendship and mutual cooperation.
He also renewed sentiments expressed by Pope Paul VI when he met with the Thai delegation 50 years ago, saying: “We have deep respect for the spiritual, moral and socio-cultural treasures you have provided through your valuable traditions. Huh. “
Integrated route of dialogue and cooperation
Pope Francis said that over the past 50 years there has been a gradual and steady development of “friendly dialogue and close cooperation” between the two religious traditions.
He recalled his past visits to Thailand in 2019 and his apostolic visit “and the wonderful welcome and hospitality I had received.”
Pope Francis meets with the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Thailand during his Apostolic Visit to Thailand in 2019
The Pope also expressed his appreciation for the friendly and fraternal dialogue with the members of the Decatur for interreligious dialogue, as well as with the Catholic community in Thailand.
Buddha and Jesus understood the need for fraternity
The Pope said that dialogue and cooperation are even more necessary and valuable at a time when the human family and the earth are facing many dangers.
“Buddha and Jesus understood the need to remove the ego that gives rise to conflict and violence,” he said.
“The Dhammapada sums up the Buddha’s teachings as follows: ‘To abstain from evil, to do good, and to purify one’s mind – this is the teaching of the Buddha’ (Dph 183). Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I give you a new commandment, that you should love one another. Love one another as I have loved you'” (Jn 13:34).
Pope Francis told his guests that his common task today is “to guide our respective followers to a more clear understanding of the truth that we are all brothers and sisters.”
In this spirit, the Pope concluded, “I encourage your efforts to deepen and broaden your dialogue and cooperation with the Catholic Church.”
Pope Francis meets with Buddhist leaders in Thailand during the 2019 Apostolic Visit
