“Wounded humanity awaits us”

Meeting at the Vatican with a delegation from Bangkok. The willingness to work together to provide hope was confirmed. Meditation and prayer as a way to purify hearts and minds generating mercy.

Vatican City () – “Prayer and meditation can also change things” in today’s wounded world, Pope Francis said today to a delegation of Buddhist monks from Thailand that he received in audience at the Vatican. The group – from Bangkok’s Wat Phra Cetuphon – was accompanied by Fr. Daniele Mazza, PIME regional superior for Southeast Asia, who has cultivated a special bond of knowledge and friendship with the Buddhist world by studying with monks at one of its main universities.

In his intervention, Francis recalled the apostolic trip he made to Thailand in 2019 and especially the meeting with the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX. “I keep the memory of him alive,” said the Pope, “and I ask you to convey my affectionate greetings to him.” He also expressed his appreciation for the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium that was held in Bangkok last November and in which more than 150 participants from various parts of Asia reflected together on the topic “Karuna and Agape in dialogue to heal a wounded humanity and the Earth.”

Yes, today our humanity and the Earth, our common home, are truly wounded – the pontiff reflected -. So many wars, so many people who have lost everything and are forced to flee. So many children affected by violence. However, as you noted during the Colloquium, “we firmly believe that, in the midst of dark clouds, those who are deeply rooted in their respective religious traditions and willing to work together can bring a ray of hope to a desperate humanity.”

From the work of that meeting, Pope Francis took up three fundamental points. First of all, the importance of interdependence, because no one is saved alone. “In light of this truth – he said – I urge you to collaborate with everyone: civil society, members of other religions, governments, international organizations, academic and scientific communities and all parties interested in promoting a friendship that supports peace and brotherhood and build a more inclusive world.” Secondly, attention to the educational dimension, especially in relation to young people and children. Finally, the conviction that “prayer and meditation can change the things, purifying our hearts and minds; generating kindness, mercy and forgiveness where there is hatred and revenge, creating a spirit of respect and care for others and the earth. In this sense, the pontiff expressed his joy at the fact that tomorrow Buddhist monks will pray for peace together with Christians in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

“I encourage you to continue nurturing dialogue and collaboration, especially with the Catholic Church in Thailand, in a spirit of constant friendship – concluded Francis -. Upon you and all the people of your noble country I invoke abundant heavenly blessings.”