TAIPEI (UCAN) — French Jesuit scholar Fr Benoit Vermander, who researches religion and culture, has been appointed a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
Father Vermander, 47, director of the Jesuit-run Taipei Ricci Institute, told UCA News via e-mail Nov. 21 that the appointment, made by Pope Benedict XVI, “came as a total surprise.”
Nonetheless, he rejoiced at “the possibility to contribute modestly to “interreligious dialogue for peace and cooperation on the challenges that the world confronts,” which he identified as “one of the greatest challenges of this time.” (Excerpts from China Infodoc Service, November 21, 2007)