Spiritual Ecology and Peaceful Coexistence! A religious exchange delegation, led by Venerable Xian Yue, CEO of the Museum of World Religions (MWR) Development Foundation, representing Founder Grand Master Hsin Tao, successfully completed its Vatican itinerary from October 25 to November 1. The trip not only involved attending the "International Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Interreligious Dialogue" but also included on-site visits to the “Borgo Laudato Si’ Estate at Castel Gandolfo and the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi in Assisi, Italy, to deeply experience the Catholic ideals of ecological spirituality and peace. This concretely demonstrates the core values promoted by the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Society of "Spiritual Ecology" and "Loving the Earth and Loving Peace."

Papal Summer Residence Transformed into an Ecological Hub, Showcasing a Vision of Sustainable Faith

Prior to the Interreligious Dialogue celebration, the delegation first visited Castel Gandolfo on the outskirts of Rome for an in-depth tour themed a “living laboratory” of faith and sustainability. They were warmly received and guided by the manager of the Borgo Laudato Si', Mahfoud Aldaher. The group rode an electric vehicle through the green avenues, admiring the stunning 55-hectare area of the gardens—a vibrant ecosystem interwoven with ancient Roman Imperial ruins.

The Estate once served as the Papal Summer Residence, which Pope Francis opened to the public in 2013 as an ecological educational base, aiming to promote "Ecological Conversion" and "Sustainable Action." The Gardens blends spirituality, education, ecology, nature, history, art, and sustainable innovation, establishing it as a globally recognized religious ecological site. Among its features, the brand-new glass greenhouse uses "Net-Zero Energy" as its design concept. Serving as the headquarters for the advanced training center, it annually trains approximately 2,000 students from around the world, focusing on ecological sustainability and care for the vulnerable, embodying the combination of faith, practice, and action.

Pope Leo XIV once stated: "May the Bargo Laudato Si’ become a living laboratory for faith and sustainable development, where spirituality, life, and technology coexist harmoniously." Pope Francis viewed this Estate as a seed of hope, expecting it to bear the fruit of "Justice and Peace."

Venerable Xian Yue was deeply moved after the visit, stating that the Estate’s core philosophy is highly consistent with the Spiritual Ecology concept advocated by Grand Master Hsin Tao and the MWR. He announced plans to establish a University for Life & Peace (ULP) in the future to promote spiritual ecology education. This exchange witnessed the power of faith, the environment, and compassionate action, and provided many valuable experiences.

The Light of Peace in Assisi: A Witness to Religious and Spiritual Resonance

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Assisi, the Umbrian hill town in Italy, the birthplace and holy site of Saint Francis. The visit was arranged by Father Lin Chih-Ting, Executive Secretary of the Taiwan Conference on Religion and Peace (TCRP), in collaboration with The United Association of Humanistic Buddhism, Chunghua.

Upon their arrival at the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi, the delegation was warmly received by Fr. Marco Moroni, the Custos of the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis, and Fr. Slavko Klančar, the Franciscan responsible for interreligious dialogue, among others.

The Custos first greeted the Buddhist monastics, noting that "Religious dialogue is not only an exchange of ideas, but also an opportunity for spiritual connection and mutual growth." He emphasized that the spirit of peace embodied by St. Francis reminds the world that true peace is not merely the cessation of conflict, but also the manifestation of love, understanding, and compassion.

The Custos also recalled the historic moment in 1986 when Saint John Paul II held the "World Day of Prayer for Peace" in Assisi, emphasizing the crucial role of religion in promoting global peace. This interfaith tradition of peace resonates with the Buddhist ideals of "respect for life and compassionate coexistence."

Afterwards, accompanied by Fr. Slavko Klančar, the delegation toured the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi, built in the 13th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is divided into two levels: the bright and magnificent upper church and the solemn and tranquil lower church. Each level features murals depicting the life and faith of Saint Francis, allowing visitors to deeply experience the "power of spirituality and peace" in an artistic and religious atmosphere.

Faith and Ecology Walking Together: Interfaith Sustainable Dialogue

From the Bargo Laudato Si’ to the Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi, the two holy sites symbolize the profound connection between faith, nature, and human destiny. This trip also fulfilled Founder Grand Master Hsin Tao's long-standing aspiration regarding the ascetic spiritual achievement of Saint Francis.

Grand Master Hsin Tao has often taught that, during his past visits to this place, although Saint Francis, the great ascetic saint, passed away over 800 years ago, his spiritual presence of contemplation and compassion has never faded. He continuously uses the power of his spiritual achievement to bless God's people here. This timeless spiritual resonance deeply inspired the accompanying disciples.

Venerable Xian Yue stated that through this exchange visit, we are even more convinced that Spiritual Ecology is not just a concept, but an action—one that allows people, nature, and faith to return to a state of harmonious symbiosis. This is precisely the original intention of the spiritual awakening long advocated by Grand Master Hsin Tao, and it is the enduring mark left by Saint Francis's place of achievement.

Since its founding in 2001, the Museum of World Religions (MWR) has been dedicated to promoting religious pluralism and world peace. The recent participation in the Vatican gathering was not only a journey of religious exchange but also a profound dialogue on spirituality and ecology. Moving forward, the MWR will continue to advocate globally for the spirit of "Respect for all Faiths, Tolerance for all Cultures, and Love for all Lives."