By Midhun J Francis Kochukallan
Rome, March 21, 2023: Pope Francis addressed a delegation of the United Association of Humanistic Buddhism from Taiwan during their visit to the Vatican on an interreligious “educational pilgrimage.”
Pope Francis on March 16 stressed the importance of a culture of encounter, especially in a time marked by “a continued acceleration of changes affecting humanity and the planet.”
The Pope recognized the recent passing of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding patriarch of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, a world-renowned figure in Humanistic Buddhism who was also a master of interreligious hospitality. He praised the delegation’s presence as an expression of the spirit of friendship and cooperation cultivated by believers firmly grounded in their respective religious journeys.
The Pope went on to note that an educational pilgrimage to the sacred places of a religion, such as the one the delegation was undertaking, can also enrich one’s appreciation of the distinctiveness of its approach to the divine. He pointed to the masterpieces of religious art that surround visitors in the Vatican and throughout Rome, which reflect the conviction that, in Jesus Christ, God himself became a “pilgrim” in this world out of love for humanity.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of religious believers creating oases of encounter, which contribute to an integral education of the human person, involving “head, hands, heart, and soul” and leading to the experience of “the beauty and harmony of what it is to be fully human.”
In light of the challenges of the modern world, the Pope called for religions to foster fraternity by promoting a culture of encounter, especially among the young. He expressed his hope that the Buddhist delegation’s visit to Rome would be filled with moments of authentic encounter that could become precious opportunities for growth in knowledge, wisdom, dialogue, and understanding.
Pope Francis’ speech emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue and encounter, as well as the role of religions in promoting universal fraternity and education. By fostering a culture of encounter, he suggested that religions could contribute to a more harmonious and understanding world, even in the face of ongoing challenges and changes.
In conclusion, the Pope thanked the delegation for their visit and invoked heavenly blessings upon them. His address to the United Association of Humanistic Buddhism from Taiwan highlights the importance of interreligious encounter and education in promoting universal fraternity in our world. It underscores the need for building bridges and opening windows to the sacred values and convictions that inspire others, tearing down walls that divide people, and promoting the integral education of the human person.