POPE’S VISIT WILL BOOST GLOBAL PEACE EFFORTS
The UAE is known as a land of peace and tolerance. The UAE model of open-mindedness demonstrates the true image of Islam, which is one of love and brotherhood. Founding Father late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the seeds for such a broadminded approach right at the time of foundation of the nation. His Holiness Pope Francis’ proposed visit to the UAE in February next year at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has created allround excitement and for right reasons.
Pope Francis has been revered the world over as a symbol of peace and compassion. He has been campaigning relentlessly for harmony among people of various faiths. He has repeatedly made it clear that hatred has no place in a sane society. Pope Francis is seen by many around the world as more progressive than many of his predecessors.
THE VISIT WILL ALSO BE THE POPE’S IRST TO A GCC MEMBER COUNTRY and hence it is bound to be historic.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has echoed the feelings of the entire nation by tweeting: “We welcome the news of Pope Francis’ visit to the United Arab Emirates next February — a visit that will strengthen our ties and understanding of each other, enhance interfaith dialogue and help us to work together to maintain and build peace among the nations of the world.”
With people from all around the globe living and working in the UAE, the country presents a brilliant model of harmony among communities.
In June, Pope Francis commended the efforts made by the UAE to promote tolerance and strengthen inter-faith dialogue and peaceful co-existence between world peoples. He highlighted in this regard the pioneering humanitarian initiatives championed by the UAE to alleviate the suffering of a large number of world people irrespective of colour, culture, ethnicity, race and religion.
As Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, points out, Pope’s visit will establish and support strong foundations of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, both regionally and globally.
The theme of the Pope’s visit has been aptly titled “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.” The visit would certainly go a long way in strengthening global peace efforts and boosting interfaith dialogue. ■■■