Bangkok, Thailand - November 21, 2019 - During the meeting with the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhists, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX, Pope Francis said: "When we have the opportunity to acknowledge ourselves and to appreciate ourselves, even in our differences, we offer the world a word of hope capable of encouraging and supporting those who are always most damaged by the division." The Pope called for the "journey of mutual trust and fraternity" to reaffirm his and the Church's commitment to fostering a mutually open and respectful dialogue in the service of the peace and well-being of the Thai people. "We will contribute to the formation of a culture of compassion, fraternity and encounter, both here and in other parts of the world. I am sure that this journey will continue to bear fruit and in abundance," the Pontiff concluded.