VATICAN CITY — As millions of Buddhists around the world observe Vesak — the sacred day marking the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha — the Vatican has extended greetings and shared a message encouraging deeper engagement between religious traditions.
In a statement released May 12 by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, the Vatican emphasized the importance of transforming interreligious dialogue into “concrete actions for peace, justice and dignity for all.”
This year’s message, titled Buddhists and Christians in Liberating Dialogue for Our Time, was signed by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, prefect of the Dicastery, and Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, the secretary. The document reflects on shared spiritual values between Buddhism and Christianity and calls for mutual cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Shared Spirit of Jubilee
The message opens with well-wishes to those celebrating Vesak and notes that this year’s message is particularly significant as it coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year and the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate — the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on interreligious relations.
Referencing Nostra Aetate, the Dicastery reaffirms the Church’s position that it “rejects nothing of what is true and holy” in other religions. The declaration remains a guiding document for the Catholic Church’s engagement with other faith communities.
Faith Traditions in a Troubled World
The statement acknowledges the global context marked by conflict, division and hardship, and affirms the role religious traditions can play in offering hope and guidance in times of uncertainty.
The Dicastery notes that Buddhism’s path toward liberation resonates with Christianity’s own focus on truth and fullness of life. However, it cautions against allowing dialogue to remain only at the verbal level. The Vatican encourages both traditions to embody shared values through collaborative efforts that promote human dignity and social justice.
“Dialogue must become action,” the statement reads, calling for cooperation rooted in compassion and a commitment to building a more peaceful and inclusive world.
Moving Forward Together
The message concludes by reaffirming principles from Nostra Aetate, including the goal of building “unity and love among all peoples and nations” and embracing religious and cultural diversity. It expresses hope that through sincere dialogue and collaboration, Buddhists and Christians can contribute meaningfully to addressing global challenges.
