Buddhist and Catholic leaders pay tribute to late Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot in Bangkok

Buddhist and Catholic leaders gathered at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangklararm Ratchaworamahawihan, one of Bangkok’s most renowned Buddhist monasteries, to honor the life and legacy of the late Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The ceremony marking his passing highlighted the close ties between Thailand’s Buddhist and Catholic communities.

The event also highlighted Cardinal Ayuso’s commitment to interfaith understanding. His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon, opened the proceedings with a merit-giving ceremony. Ten Buddhist monks chanted prayers in a traditional rite to guide the cardinal beyond this life.

Following the Buddhist rituals, Archbishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, led a Catholic liturgy. Highlighting Cardinal Ayuso’s lasting impact on interfaith relations, Archbishop Sirisut quoted the Gospel of St. John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Vatican News)

The ceremony recalled Cardinal Ayuso's mission to unite Buddhist monks and Catholic clergy, demonstrating unity and mutual respect. His efforts have played a crucial role in strengthening relations between the two religions in Thailand.

Cardinal Ayuso was a leading figure in global interreligious dialogue. In November 2022, he participated in the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Symposium in Thailand, which brought together over 150 international delegates. The symposium, entitled “Karuṇā and Agape in Dialogue to Heal a Wounded Humanity and Earth,” focused on compassion and love as a means to address societal and environmental issues.*

The symposium also highlighted growing cooperation among religions. During the event, Thai Buddhist leaders presented gifts to Pope Francis and Cardinal Ayuso, pledging mutual support in promoting empathy and shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.

Born in Spain, Cardinal Ayuso has dedicated his life to interreligious dialogue. His missionary work in Egypt and Sudan provided him with valuable insights, positioning him as a key advocate for Christian-Muslim relations. Under his leadership, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue has achieved important milestones, including the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.

Cardinal Ayuso also accompanied Pope Francis on historic visits to Muslim-majority countries, advocating for peace and understanding in regions where Christians are minorities. His dedication to unity has left a lasting impression on interfaith communities around the world.

In Thailand, where Buddhism is the predominant religion with about 95 percent of the population identifying as Buddhist, Cardinal Ayuso’s efforts to bridge religious divides have had a particularly impactful impact. The country’s diverse religious landscape has benefited from his initiatives, fostering a climate of mutual respect and collaboration.

As Thailand mourns the loss of Cardinal Ayuso, both the Catholic and Buddhist communities reflect on his significant contributions to interfaith harmony. Leaders of both faiths expressed hope that his legacy would inspire future generations to continue building bridges of understanding and respect.

The ceremony at Wat Phra Chetuphon not only honored Cardinal Ayuso’s life, but also reinforced the importance of interfaith dialogue in addressing contemporary global challenges. His efforts illustrate the potential of religious leaders to work together to promote peace and unity.

In a 2020 interview, Cardinal Ayuso said he saw dialogue as a way “to open up to the reality of others, while being rooted in our identity, to work for a better world,” adding: “The important thing is the will to dialogue. We do not sin by ingenuity. It is about gradually introducing dialogue into minds in order to establish relationships.” (The International Cross)

Rev. Jerry Pillay of the World Council of Churches offered his condolences, saying: “In his memory, we will continue to pursue our efforts on ecumenical and interfaith paths, understanding that sustained dialogue and communication are the only way to ensure peace and protect creation and all beings.” (World Council of Churches)

* Buddhist-Christian conference in Thailand calls for compassion and common action (BDG)

See more

Catholic and Buddhist leaders gather in Bangkok to mark death of Cardinal Ayuso (Vatican News)
Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot, pioneer of interreligious dialogue, died at 72 (The International Cross)
WCC extends condolences on the death of Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot (World Council of Churches)

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