The recent 60th-anniversary celebration of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Nostra Aetate in Rome inspired participants, including five young delegates from Thailand, to renew their commitment to interreligious dialogue, mutual respect, and peace in a divided world.
The Thai youth group, composed of middle and high school students from five schools, was selected to serve as Youth Peace Ambassadors from Thailand at the international gathering. Among them was Narawich Bunyarit, 15, a student at Assumption College in Bangkok.
The Youth Ambassadors joined the Thai delegation led by Somdej Phra Maha Thirachan, Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Royal Temple (Wat Pho), and were among religious leaders from more than a dozen faith traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Christianity, in an extraordinary appeal for global peace with Pope Leo XIV.
“It was such a privilege to witness leaders of many religions together with the Holy Father,” Narawich told LiCAS News on November 8. “The celebration reminded us that dialogue is not merely an option but a sacred duty for building a better world.”
The event, organized at the Vatican by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, marked six decades since Nostra Aetate, or the Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, was promulgated in 1965.
The document, signed by St. Paul VI, was a watershed moment in Catholic history, encouraging mutual understanding and respect among people of different faiths.
Popes, including St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, called it the “Magna Carta of interreligious dialogue.” Pope Leo XIV, continuing that legacy, reaffirmed his desire to “build bridges, not walls.”
In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that “dialogue is not a tactic or a tool, but a way of life, a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved. We walk this journey not by abandoning our own faith, but by standing firmly within it.”
“Authentic dialogue begins not in compromise but in conviction, in the deep roots of our own beliefs that give us the strength to reach out to others in love,” he added.
For the Thai Youth Peace Ambassadors, the highlight of their participation was the audience with the Pope, where he reflected on the continuing vitality of Nostra Aetate.
“With Nostra Aetate,” the Pope said, “a seed of hope for interreligious dialogue was planted. Today, your presence bears witness that this seed has grown into a mighty tree, offering shelter and bearing the rich fruits of understanding, friendship, cooperation, and peace.”
Narawich said the encounter with the Pope went beyond attending a commemoration; it was a lived experience of Nostra Aetate’s message.
“I saw the immense power of love and devotion among the people gathered with the Pope, the spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide. It inspired me to work for peace and unity,” he said, adding that the trip also deepened his appreciation of the Vatican’s art, architecture, and history.
Phattharaporn Upamakan, another member of the Thai delegation, said the atmosphere of the ceremony was “filled with joy and faith.”
She described the experience as “an invaluable opportunity to learn about religion, history, culture, and even professional journalism.”
“Dialogue is definitely preferable to confrontation. Believers of different faiths can collaborate for human flourishing while maintaining their distinct identities,” she added.
Her sister, Chayapa Upamakan, shared a similar sentiment. “I feel very proud and happy to have had the opportunity to meet the Pope. As Youth Peace Ambassadors, we also interviewed adults from different faiths during the celebration. It was truly a great experience,” she said.
“In our fractured world, Nostra Aetate remains a light of hope illuminating the path toward harmony,” she added.
Phurapat Naravijitthanan, another delegate from Bangkok, said the event taught him that “respecting differences is the foundation of peaceful coexistence,” adding, “When we open our hearts to listen, we see the beauty in diversity and appreciate the humanity we all share.”
From Khon Kaen province in northeastern Thailand, Kritphet Trachu said he was deeply moved by the peaceful atmosphere among leaders of many religions.
“It reminded me of the value of peace, understanding, and forgiveness – the very foundations of building harmony in society,” he said.
In his message at the general audience, Pope Leo XIV urged participants to “rekindle hope in our world, devastated by war and environmental degradation.”
The pontiff called for collective action “because if we are united, everything is possible.”
He then led a moment of silent prayer, reminding everyone that “prayer has the power to transform our attitudes, our thoughts, our words, and our actions.”
