Pope urges Buddhists to collaborate for a more inclusive world

Pope Francis welcomed a delegation of Buddhist monks from the Wat Phra Cetuphon temple in Bangkok, Thailand, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the Church and Buddhists to address global challenges. The Pope expressed gratitude for their friendship and shared commitment to bringing hope to humanity.

During his address to the monks, Pope Francis reflected on his past experiences in Thailand, including the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium held in Bangkok. The participants of the colloquium, representing diverse religious traditions, pledged to work together to bring hope to a troubled world.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity, Pope Francis stressed the importance of collaboration with civil society, other religions, governments, and international organizations to promote peace and inclusivity. He urged the monks to continue fostering dialogue and cooperation for a better world.

The Colloquium emphasized the significance of educating youth in caring for each other and the environment, as well as the transformative power of prayer and meditation in promoting love and forgiveness.

Pope Francis commended the monks for their participation in a prayer event at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere and encouraged them to maintain dialogue and cooperation with the Catholic Church in Thailand.

In conclusion, Pope Francis thanked the Buddhist monks for their visit and encouraged them to continue their efforts in fostering dialogue and cooperation for a more peaceful and inclusive world.