Phnom Penh: In a powerful appeal to religious harmony, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, inaugurated the Eighth Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in Phnom Penh, urging adherents of both faiths to draw from their spiritual heritages to become beacons of reconciliation, resilience, and peace in today’s fractured world.

Held at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Cambodia’s capital from May 27–29, the international colloquium convenes prominent Buddhist and Christian scholars, religious leaders, and delegates from across Asia and beyond. Themed “Buddhists and Christians Working Together for Peace through Reconciliation and Resilience,” the gathering seeks to deepen cooperation between the two traditions in the face of global challenges.

Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, set the tone for the event by highlighting Cambodia’s historical openness to religious diversity. He praised the Kingdom's commitment to spiritual cohabitation and expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for encouraging dialogue among religions. Calling the colloquium a “milestone for the Catholic Church in Cambodia,” he echoed the late Pope Francis’ call for fostering “a culture of dialogue, common collaboration, and mutual understanding.”

Cardinal Koovakad, speaking at the opening session, framed the event as more than a diplomatic gesture, calling it a sacred gathering of “pilgrims from two noble traditions, united in their quest for peace.” He described the colloquium as a spiritual sanctuary amidst a world grappling with violence, injustice, poverty, and environmental crises.

“Today’s pain is global, and so must be our response,” the Cardinal stated. “Through the collective wisdom of Buddhism and Christianity, we can offer not only hope but also practical paths to healing—starting with reconciliation and the inner strength to endure and transform.”

Drawing from the teachings of both religions, Cardinal Koovakad stressed that the principles of forgiveness and spiritual fortitude are essential tools for societal healing. He emphasized that these values are not abstract but actionable, rooted in daily decisions—whether in choosing dialogue over conflict or humility over pride.

Referencing the words of Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinal described peace as “an active and demanding gift,” dependent on the personal responsibility of individuals to resist ideological rigidity and cultivate empathy. He recalled the late Pope Francis’ final testament, in which he offered his last sufferings for “peace in the world and fraternity among peoples,” underscoring the enduring papal legacy of interfaith solidarity.

The Cardinal extended his gratitude to Buddhist leaders who offered condolences upon Pope Francis’ passing, calling it a touching reminder of shared human values that transcend doctrinal boundaries. He urged continued collaboration, especially in rejecting war, poverty-driven economies, and environmental degradation.

“In unity, beyond ideology and politics, we can stand together and say ‘no’ to the forces that divide and destroy, and ‘yes’ to those that nurture, heal, and build,” he declared in conclusion, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s powerful message to global religious representatives.

The Phnom Penh colloquium, thus, stands not only as an academic dialogue but also as a moral and spiritual declaration: that the path to peace must be walked together, hand in hand, by the world’s great faith traditions.