Work together for a more inclusive world, says the Holy Father

Pope Francis, during his welcome of Buddhist monks from the Wat Phra Cetuphon temple, emphasized the need for working together to address the pressing issues in the “broken world.”

He addressed about 100 Buddhist monks from one of the most important Buddhist temples and thanked them for “enduring friendship” and interest “to bring a ray of hope," according to Vatican News.

He appreciated how he was warmly received during his Apostolic Journey to Thailand in 2019 and at the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium held in Bangkok, in November last year.

He addressed more than 150 Asian participants, saying, "Today, humanity and the Earth, our common home, are indeed wounded!" Numerous conflicts have resulted in numerous individuals losing all their possessions and having to escape. Violence affects countless children.

During the Colloquium, Pope Francis highlighted that “no one is saved alone and that “we can only be saved together since we are interconnected and interdependent.”

He encouraged the monks “to continue working together with everyone”:  civil society, members of other religions, governments, international organizations, academic and scientific communities and all other stakeholders “to promote a friendship that sustains peace and fraternity and builds a more inclusive world.” 

The Colloquium in Thailand also highlighted the importance of educating everyone, especially young people and children, “in caring for and sharing relationships and the environment.”

Prayer and meditation “can turn things upside down by purifying our hearts and minds; generating loving-kindness, mercy and forgiveness where there is hatred and vengeance creating a spirit of respect and care for the other and the earth”, said the Holy Father.

“Continue fostering dialogue and cooperation, especially with the Catholic Church in Thailand, in a spirit of lasting friendship,” he told the monks.