Pope Francis to attend inter-religious meet in UAE

Pope Francis to attend inter-religious meet in UAE

IANSUpdated: Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 02:49 AM IST
article-image

Abu Dhabi: Pope Francis on Monday began his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the first by a pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula, at the presidential palace here. The head of the Catholic Church met UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, Efe news agency reported. On his arrival, the pope was welcomed by Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan at the presidential airport on Sunday night. At the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, the pontiff was greeted by a military band’s rendition of the Emirati national anthem.

The Catholic leader’s visit to the Gulf was scheduled to coincide with an interfaith meeting with several religious representatives, including Ahmed al Tayeb, Egypt’s Grand Imam of al Azhar, the world’s largest Sunni Islamic centre of learning. “I am visiting that country as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together, and to travel paths of peace together,” the pope said in a message shared on his official Twitter account before flying to the UAE.

Later in the day, both clerics are set to visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi and attend a ceremony at the Founder’s Memorial where a tribute would be paid to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president. In comparison to its conservative neighbours, the UAE is considered one of the more tolerant countries in the region with regards to its Christian population. The pope’ visit to the UAE is also aimed at highlighting the little-known Catholic community there, mainly comprising Filipinos and Indians, many of them migrant workers.

The Emirati government has allocated its Christian population with land and churches, where they can practice their faith. Churches in the UAE are, however, not permitted to have bell towers of crosses on facade and there are no Christian places of worship in two of the country’s seven Emirates.

RECENT STORIES

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: 6 Missing Presumed Dead, Says Maryland State Police; Rescue Ops Underway

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: 6 Missing Presumed Dead, Says Maryland State Police; Rescue Ops Underway