Vatican Sends Message to Buddhists – But No Call to Conversion?

Reason and Theology Show – REASON & THEOLOGY

Vatican Sends Message to Buddhists – But No Call to Conversion? In this episode, I break down a brand-new document issued by the Vatican under the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. Directed to Buddhists, the document emphasizes common spiritual values and shared moral concerns—but notably stops short of calling for conversion or repentance. Why does the Vatican take this approach? I trace the roots of this interfaith tone back to Vatican II, exploring how Church teaching on religious dialogue has developed since then. Most importantly, we dive deep into the dogma “Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus”—”Outside the Church there is no salvation”—and examine how the Church reconciles this with outreach efforts that focus on respect and cooperation rather than evangelization. Whether you’re a Catholic trying to understand the Church’s modern engagement with other religions, or just curious about what this document says (and what it doesn’t), this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.