ASIA/SRI LANKA - Puja ritual in a Buddhist temple dedicated to Pope Francis

Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - The Buddhist monks of a temple in the capital Colombo spontaneously gathered for a special "Puja" ritual to pray for the health of Pope Francis and his speedy recovery. During the Puja ritual, the monks bow before an image of the Buddha to ask for blessings and offer flowers, food, water and other offerings.
The ceremony, which took place a few days ago in the Agrashravaka temple of the Mahabodhi Buddhist community in Colombo, was also attended by Father Jude Krishantha Fernando, head of the Communications Office of the Episcopal Conference of Sri Lanka, and two other Catholics.
"The monks," says Father Krishantha Fernando in an interview with Fides, "offered flowers and drinks to Buddha, paused in meditation and recited passages from the scriptures of their faith. They asked for the Buddha's guidance, for wisdom and compassion. In front of them was a picture of Pope Francis visiting this monastery," he explains.
"Buddhist monks and believers were gathered in meditation and prayer for the Pope," the Catholic priest continues, "It was a very moving moment. The monks come from the temple that the Pope personally met during his visit to Sri Lanka in 2015. His humble presence left a special impression in their hearts."
"We were very touched by this spontaneous gesture of our Buddhist friends," concluded Fr. Krishantha Fernando. "Pope Francis, with his attitude of dialogue and sincere fraternity towards all, left a legacy of empathy and closeness that we still feel here today and that is reflected in a fruitful way in our relations with Buddhists and other faith communities." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/2/2025)

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