THE VATICAN: Only with religious harmony can there be world peace.

This was the message delivered by Fo Guang Shan Chief Abbot Venerable Hsin Bao, who is also the president of the United Association of Humanistic Buddhism Chunghua, during his audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

The Pope agreed with his view.

A delegation of 80 members of the United Association of Humanistic Buddhism Chunghua attended the 60th anniversary celebration of Nostra Aetate, the Church’s declaration on its relations with non-Christian religions and to engage in dialogue with the Pope in the Vatican.

During the meeting, Venerable Hsin Bao said: “Only with religious harmony can there be world peace,” to which the Pope responded with concurrence.

In his address to global religious leaders, the Pope called for ongoing efforts to promote interfaith dialogues as a means to counter division and hatred—a sentiment that aligns closely with Venerable Hsin Bao’s message.

The 60th anniversary celebration of Nostra Aetate took place on October 28 at Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.

Religious leaders from around the world gathered for interfaith exchanges that highlighted global peace, harmony and mutual understanding among religions.

The United Association of Humanistic Buddhism Chunghua with more than 200 Buddhism groups in Taiwan, was invited to attend the ceremony, meet Pope Leo XIV, and participate in a series of interreligious dialogue activities.

The visit not only deepened interfaith engagement but also built upon its meeting with Pope Francis in 2023, further strengthening Buddhist–Catholic friendship.

Started 60 years ago, Nostra Aetate called for dialogues and understanding between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions, leaving a profound impact on interfaith relations worldwide.

Originally initiated by Pope Francis, the anniversary celebration was continued by the current Pope with two major events—one indoors and another outdoors—on October 28 and 29 respectively, bringing together religious leaders from across the world.

Led by Venerable Hsin Bao, the delegation included several Fo Guang Shan abbots, scholars and community leaders.

Ven Jue Cheng, who is also the Chief Abbess of Dong Zen Temple and head of Fo Guang Shan temples in Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Thailand, was in the delegation.

Others were Venerable Yung Guang (the Philippines), Venerable Miao Xiang (Europe), and Venerable Miao You (South America).

Besides attending the official ceremony, the delegation visited several significant sites in Rome and Italy, engaging in cultural exchanges that deepened mutual understanding between Buddhism and Catholicism.

Through the visit, the Buddhist community aims to continue promoting global religious harmony and to showcase the inclusiveness and wisdom of Buddhism on the international stage.

Venerable Hsin Bao said the purpose of the meeting was to take part in the ceremony led by the Pope and to foster interreligious dialogues and communication.

“All religions share the common goal of achieving peace. Through harmony and understanding, people attain peace, both in physical and spiritual level,” he said.