Catholic and Confucian Scholars Highlight Shared Convictions in Inaugural Conference
Catholic officials and Confucian thinkers recently concluded their first-ever conference in Seoul, South Korea, focusing on shared convictions despite their distinct historical and philosophical origins. The event, co-hosted by the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, and the Sungkyunkwan Confucian Academy, took place on August 4–5. A joint statement issued by scholars from both traditions acknowledged their different foundations but emphasized significant common ground. Both traditions agreed that human flourishing stems from virtuous, compassionate, and responsible individuals, with personal transformation, ethical living, and care for others forming the basis of healthy families, communities, and societies. They also concurred that just and peaceful societies require leadership rooted in integrity, humility, service, and concern for the common good, and that institutions are effective only when guided by moral wisdom and public responsibility. Furt... 
