Message of Condolence
Upon the death of the Venerable Master Hsing Yun

Founding Patriarch of Fo Guang Shan Monastery

To the Most Venerable Hsin Bao

Saddened to learn of the death of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, His Holiness Pope Francis offers heartfelt condolences to you, the members of the Fo Guang Shan Order and all our Buddhist brothers and sisters in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and throughout the world. He likewise prays for the eternal rest of this faithful disciple of the Buddha and the consolation of those who mourn him.

His Holiness recalls with gratitude the generous initiatives of the Venerable Master for the cause of peace, and his collaboration with the Holy See through the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, particularly his significant contributions to the organization of the first Buddhist-Christian Colloquium and the first Colloquium of Buddhist and Christian Nuns. At the same time, Pope Francis is confident that the Venerable Master’s close friendship with leaders of the Catholic Church in Taiwan and beyond will continue to encourage the common efforts of Buddhists and Catholics to spread the message of peace and to build up a culture of encounter among peoples and religions.

Trusting that the memory and spiritual legacy of the Venerable Master will be a source of inspiration for all men and women of goodwill engaged in the work of peace and the promotion of human fraternity, Pope Francis invokes abundant divine blessings upon you and the members of the Fo Guang Shan Order.

From the Vatican, 6 February 2023

Miguel Ángel Cardinal Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ

Prefect