Emphasising the pivotal role of compassion in understanding and addressing global suffering, the scholars issued a joint statement affirming the urgency to mend humanity's afflictions.

The Vatican's Dicastery orchestrated the event for Interreligious Dialogue in partnership with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand and the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Buddhist University.

The event drew religious leaders, theologians and scholars from Cambodia, India, Japan, the UK and others.

The colloquium delved into compassion and love as fundamental healing elements for humanity and the planet.

In their joint declaration, the scholars stressed the need for collective action.

They urged collaboration with various sectors, including civil society, governments, media and academic communities.

The purpose is to foster inclusivity and a shared responsibility for a better world.

Cambodia bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, underscored the imperative of creating a unified global family where solidarity and mutual understanding erase division.

Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, a prominent Buddhist figure, highlighted the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment.

Stressing the importance of compassion and its inseparable link with "Metta" (loving-kindness) he advocated using these principles to heal both humanity and the planet from human-made afflictions.

Pope Francis and Karuna

Echoing these sentiments, the scholars underscored the significance of empathy in societal and individual realms.

The scholars advocated for compassionate approaches in political and economic decision-making to curb exclusion and foster justice.

Notably, Pope Francis has repeatedly championed the theme of "Karuna" in interfaith dialogues, acknowledging the convergence between the teachings of Buddha and Jesus.

Stressing the need to transcend selfishness and embrace love, the Pope emphasised the teachings of Buddhist-Christian leaders, urging a global movement rooted in compassion, especially for vulnerable communities.

"At a time in which our human family and planet are facing manifold threats, the need for inter-religious dialogue and collaboration are increasingly necessary" Pope Francis said.

"The Buddha and Jesus understood the need to overcome the egoism that gives rise to conflict and violence" said the pope.

"Even though our respective religious teachings invite us to build a culture of compassion, we often turn a blind eye to today's sufferings.

"We deplore the words and actions that have voluntarily or involuntarily contributed to sow death and destruction, hatred and revenge.

"We need to acknowledge that we belong to one human family and owe everyone equal dignity and respect" the scholars said in their final joint statement.

Sources

La Croix International

CathNews New Zealand

Cottrell said he felt encouraged to have met people within the Roman Catholic Church leadership after meeting Pope Francis at the Anglican Centre on Monday.

His audience with Francis "further consolidated the strong bonds of friendship between our two World Communions," he said.

"We are now looking forward to further co-operation between the Dicasteries of the Vatican and the Anglican Centre in Rome."

These meetings focussed on evangelisation and ecumenism-building interfaith connections.

To this end, the Anglican archbishop met with the Vatican's Dicasteries for Evangelisation, Promoting Christian Unity, Interreligious Dialogue and Promoting Integral Human Development.

"My prayer is that Christians of all denominations can work together more and be united in our desire to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, as we look to share the love of God as seen in Jesus with the many in our world who long for hope and meaning in their lives," he said.

On Wednesday, Cottrell met Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Dicastery for Evangelisation. Their discussion, entitled "The Ecumenical Impact on Evangelisation", was live-streamed from the Anglican Centre.

Archbishop Ian Ernest, the Director of the Anglican Centre and the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See organised his visit.

The Anglican Centre is a vital link between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church. They work on shared projects and offer opportunities for study, hospitality and encounter.

Ernst said Cottrell's visit "comes as an affirmation of the longing of the Anglican Communion to diligently and constantly work for the visible unity of Christians.

"The personal commitment of Archbishop Stephen, in the different callings he has exercised, to encourage a collaborative spirit amongst different groups of people, in spite of cultural, denominational and religious differences, inspires and encourages us to carry forward with love the mission entrusted to the Anglican Centre in Rome."

Source

• Church Times
• Independent Catholic News