One of the main objectives during the trip to Thailand is interfaith dialogue. This is why one of the most important encounters was with the Buddhist Supreme Patriarch.
A Buddhist delegate accompanied the pope to the door of the temple, where John Paul II also visited more than 30 years ago. There Pope Francis took off his shoes, before being received by the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism in Thailand.
The two leaders expressed their reciprocal affection with a long greeting. They didn't let go of each others hands for at least thirty seconds.
Welcome Your Holiness.
Once inside both delegations sat face to face. The Vatican's Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, and the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Miguel Ángel Ayuso, were present on behalf of Rome.
The pope responded gratefully to the words the Patriarch addressed to him.
POPE FRANCIS
Your Holiness, I thank you for your gracious words of welcome. At the beginning of my visit to this nation, I am pleased to come to this Royal Temple, a symbol of the values and teachings that characterize this beloved people.
He also reviewed past encounters between predecessors and praised aspects of the Buddhist, contemplative and sober lifestyle. He said this way of being nourishes an aspect unique to all Thai people: their smile.
At the end, right there, the gifts were delivered. The pope gave the patriarch his main magisterial documents. The most relevant was this.
Regarding religious themes and anthropological issues, and as we have spoken about fraternity, I also offer you the Declaration on Human Fraternity.
This is the document signed with the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, one of the main Sunni leaders. When they signed it in Abu Dhabi, both promised to spread its message among political and religious leaders. Pope Francis is keeping his promise.
The meeting ended as it began: with much affection. Both left the temple holding hands as a symbol of peace, dialogue and fraternity.
Javier Romero
Melissa Butz
