His Holiness the Dalai Lama shared condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday in the Vatican. The Dalai Lama’s tribute was one of many from across the Buddhist world, where Pope Francis is remembered for his many interfaith efforts. The pope had been suffering from poor health for several months, prompting Buddhists and other faith leaders around the world to pray for his recovery last month.* At the time of his death, Pope Francis was 88 years old.

In a letter to the Most Reverend Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, the Dalai Lama expressed sadness on learning of the pope’s demise. The Dalai Lama stated that he had offered prayers and condolences to the pope’s spiritual brothers and sisters, and to his followers around the world.

“His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others,” the Dalai Lama wrote, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warmhearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.” (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama)

His Holiness closed his letter, “With my prayers.” (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama)

A memorial service is being held by the Tibetan community at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamsala.

Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the largest Buddhist community in South Korea, called Pope Francis a teacher of mankind who helped to bridge differences between religions. “He taught us the value of peace and solidarity,” Jinwoo said. (The Korea Herald)

Bhikkhuni Tinh Quang, a Zen Buddhist nun in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, based in Canada, wrote her appreciation of the pope’s 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si:”

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, placed interfaith harmony at the center of his pontificate, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation among the world’s religious traditions. Throughout his tenure, he consistently engaged with leaders of diverse faiths, including Buddhists, and visited several countries in Asia with significant Buddhist populations, promoting shared values such as compassion, peace, and human dignity.

In 2015, just two years into his papacy, Pope Francis invited 46 Buddhist leaders from the United States to the Vatican to share in a dialogue, specifically seeking to work together to address social problems.

Pope Francis’ efforts to advance religious dialogue extended to further meaningful engagements with Buddhist communities. In 2019, he traveled to Thailand, where he met with the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch and other senior monks in Bangkok. This marked a significant moment in Catholic-Buddhist relations, as more than 93 per cent of the Thai population is comprised of Theravada Buddhists.

In a reciprocal gesture, Francis welcomed a delegation of Buddhist monks from Wat Phra Chetuphon (also known as Wat Pho) to the Vatican in 2022. He expressed appreciation for their “enduring friendship” and encouraged continued collaboration with the Catholic Church in Thailand, noting that such exchanges serve to “bring a ray of hope” to our wounded humanity. (UCA News)

Pope Francis’ 2023 visit to Mongolia included a high-profile inter-religious meeting with practitioners of Buddhism, Shamanism, Russian Orthodox Christianity, and Shinto. Mongolia, where Buddhists constitute about 51 per cent of the population, has seen renewed interest in religious engagement following decades of suppression. In a speech delivered on 3 September, the pope affirmed that inter-religious dialogue “is not antithetical to proclamation” and praised the potential of religious traditions “for the benefit of society as a whole.” (UCA News)

In addition to his travels, Pope Francis issued major writings on fraternity and peace. Fratelli Tutti, an encyclical published in 2020, advocates for global solidarity and encourages dialogue among religious groups. The pope argued that peace-building required collaboration across traditions rather than isolation or division.

In 2018, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue convened a delegation of Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Sikh leaders at the Vatican. Addressing the group, the pope stated: “Dialogue and cooperation are essential at a time like our own,” especially amid global tensions and acts of violence. (UCA News)

While Pope Francis’ outreach received widespread praise, some critics from within and outside the Catholic Church questioned the theological implications of deep interfaith cooperation. Nonetheless, Pope Francis remained consistent in his view that shared ethical values—such as compassion, humility, and justice—could form a basis for collaboration without compromising religious identity.

Pope Francis’ inter-religious engagements, particularly with Buddhist leaders and communities, contributed to a broader culture of dialogue and understanding. His pontificate leaves behind a legacy marked by openness, humility, and a sustained commitment to building bridges across spiritual traditions.

* Buddhists Join Global Faith Leaders in Prayers for Pope Francis (BDG)

See more

Condolences on the Death of His Holiness Pope Francis (His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet)
A pope who championed interfaith harmony (UCA News)
Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist leaders mourn Pope Francis death, champion of religious solidarity (USA Today)
‘A Beacon Of Compassion’: World And Religious Leaders React To Francis’ Death (Religion Unplugged)
Religious leaders laud Pope Francis’ legacy in condolence letter (The Korea Herald)

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