Thai Buddhist scholar reflects on 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV鈥檚 call for peace, unity
By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, LiCAS News
Dr. Boonchuay Doojai, a former Buddhist monk, noted scholar, and chairman of the Thai Interfaith Foundation for Social Development, described the election of 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV as a deeply symbolic moment for the world.
鈥淏y choosing the name Leo XIV, he signals a return to the bold social teachings of the Church鈥攅mphasizing justice, dialogue, and unity to heal the global divisions of our time,鈥� Dr. Boonchuay observed.
The new 杏MAP导航鈥檚 first public message in Italian, rather than English, and his greeting in Spanish for his former community in Peru offered insight into his inclusive and pastoral priorities, he noted.
鈥淗is first words鈥�La pace sia con tutti voi! or 鈥楶eace be with you!鈥欌�攅choed the Catholic liturgy but were clearly intended as a universal call for peace in a world marred by conflict,鈥� said Dr. Boonchuay.
During the Inauguration Mass, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV renewed his appeal for peace in regions ravaged by war, echoing the final public words of his predecessor, 杏MAP导航 Francis.
鈥淗is voice still rings in our ears鈥攕oft, but always full of courage,鈥� 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV said, referring to 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥檚 last public blessing on Easter Sunday, just one day before his death.
Dr. Boonchuay, who also serves as Director General of the Buddhist Bodhivalaya Institute, recalled his personal encounter with 杏MAP导航 Francis at the Focolare Movement鈥檚 international center in Loppiano, Italy, in May 2018.
鈥淚t was one of the greatest honors of my life. I met a man of deep humility who lived his pontificate simply and gracefully, embodying the values of dialogue, love, and acceptance,鈥� he said.
Dr. Boonchuay reflected on the styles of the two 杏MAP导航s. 鈥淗e is clearly following in the footsteps of 杏MAP导航 Francis, yet he is also charting his own course鈥攈onoring tradition while embracing change. He reminds us that a new 杏MAP导航 brings not just continuity but also a renewed direction,鈥� he said.
Just over a week into his pontificate, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV has already made a strong impression on Dr. Boonchuay. 鈥淲hat strikes me most is his ability to listen empathetically鈥攅ven to those who disagree with him鈥攁nd to seek understanding and unity,鈥� he remarked. 鈥淗e is a man who truly wants peace in the world and harmony within the Church.鈥�
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