Pope visits Mahabodhi Temple in Maradana

14 January 2015 06:24 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Mahabodhi Temple in Maradana late this evening and viewed the sacred relics of the Buddha's disciples, Papal spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said today.

Fr. Lombardi said at a media briefing that the Pope had removed his shoes before entering the temple and had spent a few minutes of silence there.

He said the Holy Father had decided to visit the temple at short notice after he had been invited by the chairperson of the Mahabodhi Organisation, the Venerable Banagala Uptissa Thera when the latter met him at Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday.

This was the first time a pope had visited a Buddhist Temple in Sri Lanka said Fr. Cyril Gamini, the spokesman for the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka.
The Pope had also met Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa at the apostolate nuncio's residence on Bauddhaloka Mawatha.

The Pope had also made a surprise visit to the Archbishop's House to meet the bishops but they had not yet retuned from Madhu and he had had to visit the Archbishop’s House again later. This time the bishops were praying when he got there and he had joined them in prayer. (Yohan Perera)

Picture courtesy REUTERS

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Comments - 6

Avatar Thursday, 15 January 2015 06:54 AM

If this is not an example of religious harmony, respect and tolerance what is? God bless His Holiness Pope Francis!

Sri Lankan Thursday, 15 January 2015 07:46 AM

Wonder whether Mr. Rajapaksha had confessed to the Pope and obtained HH blessings like he did with Sarath Silva.

Jayantha Thursday, 15 January 2015 07:57 AM

What a good gesture by the Pope! I am a Buddhist, and highly respect him and Catholics.

Prometheus Thursday, 15 January 2015 09:34 AM

WOW! What a pope! My great respects to you, your holiness.

K. C. John Thursday, 15 January 2015 09:56 AM

A display of respect and humility by an admirable human being.

Riyaz Friday, 16 January 2015 08:53 AM

According to my limited knowledge , he is the greatest pope ever !

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Pope visits Mahabodhi Temple in Maradana

Comments - 6

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