"Nikkyo Niwano was a man of faith who had a great vision for the future. His death is an immense loss for world religions." With these words, the Cardinal of Tokyo, Cardinal Seiichi Shirayanagi, paid homage to the founder of Rissho Kosei Kai. He was speaking in a great Buddhist temple filled to capacity with thousands of people, among whom were religious and civic dignitaries, including the Japanese Prime Minister, Keizo Obuchi.

The Cardinal continued: "He was not only respected by all but he was also greatly loved because he had always loved. When Nikkyo Niwano founded the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) 30 years ago, it seemed impossible to bring together representatives of different faiths to work for peace. But he succeeded in doing so.
"The Cardinal was moved when he pointed out that the day of Nikkyo Niwano’s death, 4^th October, coincided with the feast day of St Francis, the saint of peace. And on reading the words of St Francis’ Peace Prayer, he applied them to him.

In the telegram sent to his son, Nichiko Niwano, Chiara Lubich recalled "his friendship in the ideals which he shared profoundly, such as the encounter between religions and peace among peoples." She went on to say, "It is due to him that collaboration between our movements started, generating many fruits. Thanks to him we embraced the goals of the World Conference of Religions for Peace. His wisdom, his smile, his benevolence will always be with me."
Nikkyo Niwano was a providential instrument not only for inter-religious dialogue in the world, but also for dialogue and unity between different Buddhist and Shintoist currents in Japan.

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(02-03-2002)