Catholic and Buddhist delegations to hold 8th Colloquium in Cambodia

Vatican City, May 27, 2025: The Vatican's Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, together with Buddhist universities and monasteries in Cambodia and the Bishops’ Conference of Cambodia, will host the 8th Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh from May 27 to 29, 2025.

According to a communique from the Holy See Press Office, the theme of the three-day event is “Buddhists and Christians Working Together for Peace through Reconciliation and Resilience”.

Around 150 Christian and Buddhist participants from across Asia and elsewhere will meet in the Cambodian capital city to “reflect, dialogue, and collaborate on promoting peace in our time”. Representatives will hail from 16 countries and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC).

“In a world ravaged by conflict and violence”, noted the communiqué, “this colloquium is a timely reminder of the power of religion not only to prevent violence but also to foster healing, reconciliation, and resilience.”

The colloquium seeks to continue a tradition of “fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cooperation between Buddhists and Christians in the service of peace”.

“Held in a land marked by the legacy of His Holiness Maha Ghosananda, this international gathering will explore how sacred texts, spiritual teachings, and lived experiences can offer healing and hope,” concluded the communique.

The 7th Buddhist-Christian Colloquium took place in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 13 to 16, 2023, and focused on finding common actions to “heal the wounds of humanity and the planet”.

By Vatican News