BUDDHIST MONKS COMPLETE PEACE WALK IN NATION’S CAPITAL
A group of 19 Theravada Buddhist monks and a rescue dog named Aloka completed a 2,300-mile peace walk from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., on Feb. 10, 2026, concluding a spiritual journey that captured national interest.
The monks embarked on the walk in early October with a mission to promote inner peace, mindfulness and harmony across communities. Their trek spanned rugged terrain, small towns and major cities, drawing thousands of supporters who greeted them along the way with encouragement and offerings of food and rest.
Clad in saffron and maroon robes, the monks emphasized that their mission was non-political and rooted in compassion. They made regular stops at universities, community centers and places of worship, sharing teachings on meditation and respectful dialogue. Their presence highlighted Buddhism’s emphasis on peace and understanding in a world grappling with conflict and division.
One of the walkers, Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, completed the final leg of the journey in a wheelchair after losing a leg in an accident earlier on the route. Supporters praised his determination, saying his perseverance embodied the monks’ message of resilience and unity.
The walk culminated at Washington’s iconic national landmarks, where the monks were joined by interfaith leaders and community advocates. A planned closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial drew a diverse crowd, celebrating the monks’ dedication and calling attention to the shared goals of peace and mutual respect across religious traditions.
The 108-day journey holds special significance in Buddhist tradition, symbolizing spiritual completion and wholehearted commitment to one’s path. The monks’ walk has become a source of inspiration to people of many faiths and backgrounds, encouraging reflection on how spiritual practices can foster harmony in everyday life.
POPE CALLS FOR GLOBAL RELIGIOUS UNITY
In a message marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate — a landmark Vatican document promoting interreligious dialogue — Pope Leo XIV urged leaders of all faiths to unite in pursuit of peace, justice and ethical development in a rapidly changing world.
Addressing pilgrims and visitors in St. Peter’s Square, the pope called for meaningful collaboration among religious communities to confront issues such as war, hatred, environmental degradation and the ethical use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
“Religious traditions must work together to restore hope and safeguard the dignity of every human being,” the pope said, emphasizing that compassion, truth and respect are foundational values shared across faiths.
The anniversary of Nostra Aetate highlights the Catholic Church’s commitment to breaking down historical barriers between religions and fostering mutual understanding. The pope’s comments reflected this ongoing effort, specifically acknowledging that dialogue and cooperation are essential for addressing global challenges that no single group can solve alone.
Observers noted that the call for unity comes amid growing global tensions — including geopolitical conflicts, social inequality and debates over technology’s role in society — which have the potential to deepen divisions if not addressed collaboratively.
Faith leaders from multiple traditions welcomed the pope’s message, pointing to recent interfaith initiatives that have brought communities together for humanitarian work and peacebuilding. Many also stressed that grassroots cooperation — from local service projects to international dialogue forums — remains crucial in translating high-level aspirations into everyday impact.
The pope’s appeal serves as a reminder that, even in an era of rapid change, religious communities can play a critical role in fostering understanding, promoting justice and affirming human dignity worldwide
