September 3, 2023
Introduction
Pope Francis made a historic visit to Mongolia, emphasizing the importance of religious harmony and unity among diverse faiths while quoting Gautam Buddha, a moment that resonated with both the small Catholic community in the country and religious leaders from various traditions.
The Pope’s visit to Mongolia, with its mere 1,450 Catholic members, may seem surprising on the surface. Still, it carried a profound message of inclusivity and peaceful coexistence among different faiths. He delivered this message during an inter-religious meeting in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, where he shared the stage with representatives from Buddhism, Islam, Evangelical Christianity, Judaism, Orthodoxy, Mormonism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Baha’i, and Shamanism.
In a powerful moment during his address, Pope Francis quoted from the writings of Gautam Buddha, stating, “the wise man rejoices in giving,” and paralleled it with a saying from Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This fusion of Buddhist and Christian wisdom underscored his call for religious communities to live in harmony and reject ideological fundamentalism, which can incite violence.
“Religions are called to offer the world this harmony, which technological progress alone cannot bestow,” Pope Francis asserted, highlighting the vital role faith plays in promoting peace and understanding.
This interfaith gathering faced criticism from conservative Catholics, who have previously labeled such events as “a supermarket of religions.” However, the Pope reaffirmed his commitment to “ecumenical, inter-religious, and cultural dialogue,” emphasizing that dialogue does not require glossing over differences but rather seeks understanding and enrichment.
Condemning religious extremism
In a powerful condemnation of religious extremism, the Pope stated, “There can be no mixing of religious beliefs and violence, of holiness and oppression, of religious traditions and sectarianism.” His message was clear: embracing diversity and respecting different faiths are essential for fostering fraternity and maintaining peace.
Throughout the event, several religious leaders, including the representative from the small Jewish community in Mongolia and a shaman, bestowed blessings upon Pope Francis, expressing their well wishes for his health and longevity.
Conclusion
While the Mongolian Catholic community is modest in size, the Pope’s visit served as a symbol of unity and tolerance in a country where diverse religious traditions coexist. Furthermore, his message reached beyond the borders of Mongolia, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and dialogue among faiths in an increasingly interconnected world.
