Museum of World Religions Delegation Visits the Vatican, Joining Global Faiths Dialogue
Actualizing Spiritual Connection Across Divides with ‘Love and Peace’ as the Core Value
Early on October 25, 2025, an interfaith delegation from Taiwan, led by Venerable Xian Yue, CEO of the Museum of World Religions Development Foundation, and Ma Yu-chuan, Director of the Museum of World Religions (MWR), departed for the Vatican. The delegation attended the International Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Interreligious Dialogue, organized by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See, intending to foster world peace and deepen spiritual connections among humanity through dialogue and cultural exchange.
Before the trip, Grand Master Hsin Tao, Founder of the Museum of World Religions, reminded the delegation that the true meaning of this visit lies in cultivating dialogue grounded in compassion and sincerity across religions and cultures. He urged the team to approach diverse faiths with equality and respect, and through genuine exchange, to unite the shared aspiration to care for the world and all humankind.
The visit to the Vatican was made possible through the kind assistance of many friends from the religious community, including Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, Apostolic Nuncio to the R.O.C. (Taiwan); Father Paulin Kubuya, Deputy Secretary-General of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue; and Father Lin Chih-Ding, Father Lin Chih-Ding, Executive Secretary of the Taiwan Conference on Religion and Peace (TCRP). Throughout the journey, the delegation engaged in a series of meaningful exchanges imbued with cultural depth and a humanistic spirit.
Delegation members unanimously agreed that such encounters transcend mere interfaith dialogue — they are opportunities for mutual inspiration on the level of the heart and spirit, affirming that love and peace begin with understanding.
2025 coincides with the Catholic Holy Year (Jubilee Year), a major religious celebration held once every 25 years. During this time, the Pope opens the four Holy Doors, allowing the faithful to make pilgrimages and receive absolution and a plenary indulgence. At its core, the Holy Year embodies God’s grace toward humankind, fostering faith and unity. It also carries the ancient social and religious meanings of forgiveness of debts and liberation of the enslaved — a profound expression of mercy and renewal.
During the visit, the delegation made a special stop at the Basilica of Our Lady to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis. On behalf of the group, Venerable Xian Yue offered white roses as a gesture of remembrance and deep respect.
Venerable Xian Yue noted that Grand Master Hsin Tao and the late Pope Francis shared a deep friendship, united by their common dedication to world peace and the welfare of humanity. Grand Master Hsin Tao has long held profound admiration for Pope Francis’s lifelong devotion to faith and humanitarian service.
Venerable Xian Yue further remarked that Pope Francis was admired worldwide for his compassion and humility, his lifelong practice of faith through simple living, his care for the poor and vulnerable, and his active promotion of environmental protection and social justice, embodying the ideal of “a Church that serves the poor.” Through love and action, he awakened hearts across the globe; his selflessness transcended religious boundaries, making him a true exemplar for conscience and peace.
Delegation member Emily Hung was deeply moved, noting that in a world marked by turmoil and frequent disasters, Pope Francis exemplified benevolence and inclusivity, reminding humanity of the importance of transcending religious boundaries and resolving conflicts with goodwill. She added, “At the heart of every faith is the practice of love and care, and I am committed to carrying forward this spirit.”
This exchange not only deepened Taiwan’s connections with the international religious community but also showcased the Museum of World Religions’ long-standing dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and humanitarian care. The delegation put into practice the principle of “Love and Peace,” advocated by the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society, while embracing MWR’s founding spirit of “Respect, Inclusiveness, and Altruistic Compassion,” aiming to inspire greater understanding, goodwill, and hope across the globe.
Before the trip, Grand Master Hsin Tao, Founder of the Museum of World Religions, reminded the delegation that the true meaning of this visit lies in cultivating dialogue grounded in compassion and sincerity across religions and cultures. He urged the team to approach diverse faiths with equality and respect, and through genuine exchange, to unite the shared aspiration to care for the world and all humankind.
The visit to the Vatican was made possible through the kind assistance of many friends from the religious community, including Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, Apostolic Nuncio to the R.O.C. (Taiwan); Father Paulin Kubuya, Deputy Secretary-General of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue; and Father Lin Chih-Ding, Father Lin Chih-Ding, Executive Secretary of the Taiwan Conference on Religion and Peace (TCRP). Throughout the journey, the delegation engaged in a series of meaningful exchanges imbued with cultural depth and a humanistic spirit.
Delegation members unanimously agreed that such encounters transcend mere interfaith dialogue — they are opportunities for mutual inspiration on the level of the heart and spirit, affirming that love and peace begin with understanding.
2025 coincides with the Catholic Holy Year (Jubilee Year), a major religious celebration held once every 25 years. During this time, the Pope opens the four Holy Doors, allowing the faithful to make pilgrimages and receive absolution and a plenary indulgence. At its core, the Holy Year embodies God’s grace toward humankind, fostering faith and unity. It also carries the ancient social and religious meanings of forgiveness of debts and liberation of the enslaved — a profound expression of mercy and renewal.
During the visit, the delegation made a special stop at the Basilica of Our Lady to pay tribute to the late Pope Francis. On behalf of the group, Venerable Xian Yue offered white roses as a gesture of remembrance and deep respect.
Venerable Xian Yue noted that Grand Master Hsin Tao and the late Pope Francis shared a deep friendship, united by their common dedication to world peace and the welfare of humanity. Grand Master Hsin Tao has long held profound admiration for Pope Francis’s lifelong devotion to faith and humanitarian service.
Venerable Xian Yue further remarked that Pope Francis was admired worldwide for his compassion and humility, his lifelong practice of faith through simple living, his care for the poor and vulnerable, and his active promotion of environmental protection and social justice, embodying the ideal of “a Church that serves the poor.” Through love and action, he awakened hearts across the globe; his selflessness transcended religious boundaries, making him a true exemplar for conscience and peace.
Delegation member Emily Hung was deeply moved, noting that in a world marked by turmoil and frequent disasters, Pope Francis exemplified benevolence and inclusivity, reminding humanity of the importance of transcending religious boundaries and resolving conflicts with goodwill. She added, “At the heart of every faith is the practice of love and care, and I am committed to carrying forward this spirit.”
This exchange not only deepened Taiwan’s connections with the international religious community but also showcased the Museum of World Religions’ long-standing dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and humanitarian care. The delegation put into practice the principle of “Love and Peace,” advocated by the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society, while embracing MWR’s founding spirit of “Respect, Inclusiveness, and Altruistic Compassion,” aiming to inspire greater understanding, goodwill, and hope across the globe.