Bangkok, Thailand, Aug 19, 2013 / 15:10 pm
The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue sent a message of condolence to Thailand on the passing of senior Buddhist abbot Somdej Phra Buddhacharn.
The 85-year-old abbot died of a blood infection at Samitivej hospital on Aug. 10.
Highly revered as the most senior monk and chairman of the monastic panel acting on behalf of the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Thailand, Somdej Phra Buddhacharn was the chief of the Eastern Region of Thailand, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council and the abbot of Wat Saket Temple, which is known as the Temple of the Golden Mount.
In a message sent through the Apostolic Nunciature in Bangkok, Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, president of the pontifical council, expressed sincere condolences for the loss of the prominent religious leader, as well as hope for continuing dialogue and friendship.