Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Tuesday endorsed a call for peace made by Pope Leo during Palm Sunday Mass, urging an end to violence and greater reliance on dialogue to resolve conflicts.
In a statement, the Dalai Lama said he “wholeheartedly” supported the Pope’s appeal for laying down arms and renouncing violence, saying it reflected the core teachings of major religions.
He said spiritual traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism all emphasize love, compassion, tolerance and self-discipline, adding that violence “finds no true home” in these teachings.
“History has shown us time and again that violence only begets more violence and is never a lasting foundation for peace,” he said.
Referring to conflicts in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine, the Dalai Lama said any lasting resolution must be rooted in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect.
He also stressed the importance of recognizing shared humanity, saying conflicts should be approached with the understanding that “we are all brothers and sisters.”
He concluded by urging an end to violence and expressing hope that ongoing conflicts would come to an end soon.