His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, in the Vatican. The Dalai Lama’s tribute was one of many from across the Buddhist world, where Pope Francis is remembered for his extensive interfaith efforts.
Pope Francis, who was 88 years old at the time of his death, had been suffering from poor health for several months, prompting Buddhists and other faith leaders around the world to pray for his recovery last month. In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Most Reverend Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, the Dalai Lama reflected on the pope’s legacy of humility and service.
“His Holiness Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others,” the Dalai Lama wrote. “Consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.” His Holiness concluded his message with, “With my prayers.”
A memorial service is being held by the Tibetan community at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamsala, India. This gathering is a reflection of the deep respect and gratitude that many Buddhists feel towards the late pope. Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, praised Pope Francis as a teacher of mankind who helped bridge differences between religions. “He taught us the value of peace and solidarity,” Jinwoo stated.
The Dalai Lama’s sentiments resonate deeply within the Buddhist community, particularly as he approaches his 90th birthday in July. Many view him as a pivotal spiritual leader, akin to a “papal institution” not only for Tibetan Buddhists but also for followers in regions such as India, Bhutan, Nepal, Mongolia, and some Russian republics.
In 2015, Pope Francis invited 46 Buddhist leaders from the United States to the Vatican to engage in a dialogue aimed at addressing social problems together. This initiative was part of his broader commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. In 2019, he traveled to Thailand, where he met with the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch and other senior monks in Bangkok, highlighting the importance of collaboration between religions.
In a reciprocal gesture, Francis welcomed a delegation of Buddhist monks from Wat Phra Chetuphon (also known as Wat Pho) to the Vatican in 2022. He expressed appreciation for their “enduring friendship” and encouraged continued collaboration with the Catholic Church in Thailand, noting that such exchanges serve to “bring a ray of hope” to our wounded humanity.
Pope Francis’ 2023 visit to Mongolia included a high-profile inter-religious meeting with practitioners of Buddhism, Shamanism, Russian Orthodox Christianity, and Shinto. In his speech delivered on September 3, the pope affirmed that inter-religious dialogue “is not antithetical to proclamation” and praised the potential of religious traditions “for the benefit of society as a whole.”
In addition to his travels, Pope Francis authored significant writings on fraternity and peace. His encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, published in 2020, advocates for global solidarity and encourages dialogue among religious groups. The pope argued that peace-building requires collaboration across traditions rather than isolation or division. In 2018, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue convened a delegation of Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Sikh leaders at the Vatican, where Pope Francis emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation amid global tensions.
While Pope Francis’ outreach received widespread praise, some critics from within and outside the Catholic Church questioned the theological implications of deep interfaith cooperation. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast in his belief that shared ethical values—such as compassion, humility, and justice—could form a basis for collaboration without compromising religious identity.
Pope Francis’ inter-religious engagements, particularly with Buddhist leaders and communities, have contributed to a broader culture of dialogue and understanding. His pontificate leaves behind a legacy marked by openness, humility, and a sustained commitment to building bridges across spiritual traditions.
Penpa Tsering, the sikyong or head of the Tibetan government in exile, also offered his condolences, stating that Pope Francis had “embodied the true spirit of compassion and universal brotherhood.” Tsering expressed solidarity with the global Catholic community during this time of mourning, saying, “In these difficult times, we stand in solidarity with the global Catholic community in mourning this profound loss. May Pope Francis's vision of a more compassionate and just world continue to guide us all.”
As the world reflects on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the interfaith dialogue he championed will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for future generations. His commitment to compassion and understanding across religious boundaries has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, fostering a spirit of unity among diverse faith communities.
