Why Would Liu, an American Attorney, Wants To Visist Pope Leo XIV

Your Holiness,

On behalf of the American legal and religious community, I wish to extend our

sincerest congratulations on your election as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic

Church. Your appointment as the first American to undertake this esteemed role

represents a significant milestone, instilling in us a profound sense of pride, admiration,

and hope—never before have I felt prouder to be American. In a time when our world

appears to be more divided than ever, your leadership stands as a symbol of hope, not

solely for Catholics and Americans, but for individuals of all faiths around the globe who

seek compassion, courage, and clarity.

This moment bears personal significance for me as well. My uncle, the Venerable

Master Hsing Yun, who founded the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery in Taiwan, once

received an invitation from His Holiness Pope John Paul II to engage in interreligious

dialogue at the Vatican. I was intended to accompany him but unfortunately missed that

opportunity. The moment, graciously extended by the Church, has become a cherished

memory within our family. A photograph depicting my uncle warmly shaking hands with

Pope John Paul II continues to grace our home, serving not merely as a keepsake but as a

daily reminder that respect among faiths is both achievable and essential.

Similar to Buddhism, Catholicism extols the transformative virtues of compassion,

humility, and service. Your life’s journey, from the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago to

the underserved streets of Peru , embodies this spirit. Your capacity to bridge languages

and cultures transcends mere linguistics; it is a metaphysical endeavor. By leading through

your personal example, you remind us that faith should unite rather than divide, inviting

us to journey together in the pursuit of the Divine. In this era characterized by global uncertainty, political polarization, and a quest for spiritual meaning, your election has echoed far beyond the confines of the Church.

For American Catholics, it serves as a profound source of pride. For all Americans, it

offers a renewed sense of possibility, an affirmation that our national diversity can fortify

even the most sacred institutions. Furthermore, for Buddhists like myself, it is a

compelling sign that shared values of mercy, reflection, and peace still hold prominence

in the world’s most impactful dialogues.

As the nephew of a monk and a public servant dedicated to the pursuit of justice, I

have observed the significant influence that religious leaders can exert in the healing of

our communities. Your motto, "In illo uno unum," or "In the One, we are one," resonates

profoundly across various faith traditions. It reflects the Buddhist principle of

interconnectedness and shared responsibility. The lotus and the olive branch both arise

from adversity, extending the promise of hope. In their convergence lies a profound truth

that transcends individual doctrines: peace flourishes where hearts are receptive.

Should I ever be afforded the esteemed privilege of visiting the Vatican, I would

wish to present a small carved lotus from my uncle’s monastery, a representation of

my family's enduring reverence for the Church, as well as a subtle expression of

Buddhist-Catholic solidarity. It is my hope that, in this modest gesture, I may

continue the tradition of dialogue that my uncle instigated.

Please allow me to extend my deepest admiration as you embark on this sacred

ministry. May your papacy be characterized by wisdom, humility, and a steadfast

commitment to fostering unity in a world that often appears fragmented.

We do not subscribe to the limitation of one nation under God; rather, we embrace

the vision of one world devoted to a collective Divine Virtue. I am confident that we

share this aspiration.

With great respect and hope,

David “Long Z” Liu