Vatican City (AsiaNews) – In a message on the occasion of the Feast of Vesakh that commemorates the birth of Siddharta Gautama (April 8), Mgr Michael L. Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, said that in places where they live together Christians and Buddhists have been engaged in a 'dialogue of life' for some time, enabling both to learn about and appreciate one another. This is especially true in recently tsunami-affected countries where the two showed an aspect of their common commitment to others.

"I am certain that in many places where Buddhists and Catholics live together they will use the moment to consolidate the good relations which already exist between them," Mgr Fitzgerald wrote.

The message said that this year the Catholic Church celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council Declaration Nostra Aetate on the relation of the Church to other religions. It mentions "Buddhism and many other religions [and] states that the Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. Accordingly, Buddhists and Catholics are able to meet together in a spirit of openness, sincerity and mutual respect, engaging in many different forms of dialogue."

The letter goes on to say that "[i]n countries where Buddhists and Christians live and work side by side, the resulting 'dialogue of life' allows them, while witnessing to their own beliefs, to deepen their understanding of one another, to foster goodwill and to promote a spirit of neighbourliness. In fact, a particular bond has developed between many Buddhist and Catholic monks and nuns. They have welcomed one another into their respective monasteries and convents joining together in silence, meditation and reflection. Some communities have been able to cooperate in the social field and, in a world market by violence, are working together in the cause of peace."

For example, "[n]owhere has the need for collaboration been felt more keenly than in the countries of south and south-east Asia which were affected by the earthquake and the ensuing tsunami of 26 December, 2004."

"This disaster elicited an outpouring of prayers, expressions of compassion and acts of generosity on a scale the world has rarely witnessed. Buddhists and Christians have worked together hand in hand to help the victims; religious organisations have cooperated by bringing immediate relief and assessing future needs."

"The long-term requirements of reconstruction call, however, for a continuation of these inter-religious expressions of solidarity. There are also many other situations which require cooperation among people of good will so that solutions can be found which conform to human dignity and which respect human rights."