Interreligious dialogue is the peacemaker's alternative to secularism and fundamentalism, a top Vatican official wrote in a message to Buddhists around the world.

"In today's world, marked by forms of secularism and fundamentalism that are often inimical to true freedom and spiritual values, interreligious dialogue can be the alternative choice by which we find the 'golden way' to live in peace and work together for the good of all," said Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

In a message for the feast of Vesakh, a commemoration of the major events in the life of the Buddha, Tauran said when believers of different religions enter into dialogue with one another and get to know each other better, "respect for the fundamental human rights of freedom of conscience and freedom of worship" increases.