Bahrain : His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Sheikh of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders Ahmed Al Tayeb held a meeting during their visit to Bahrain and participation in the Bahrain Dialogue Forum “East and West for Human Coexistence” held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.HE the Grand Imam expressed his appreciation of HH the Pope’s efforts to promote peace and coexistence.He stressed that the meetings that bring them together are within their fraternal relations and joint attempts to consolidate the values of peace, coexistence and mutual acceptance.He said he and the Pope have common views on the importance of coordination between them to save humanity from the scourge of conflicts and wars by focusing on common grounds and confronting all ideas and practices that feed and spread hatred and intolerance.The Human Fraternity Document has become a model and an approach that represent a basis for building peace, harmony, mutual respect and tolerance among people, he said.Pope Francis welcomed the Grand Imam and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Al Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders in supporting and encouraging dialogue between religions, and promoting world peace.Our relationship with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and the Council of Muslim Elders represents an important stage for relations between East and West, the Pope said.He stressed the importance of the solidarity of religious leaders for the sake of humanity and the significance of raising the voice of religion for the service of humanity.Pope Francis emphasized the role of dialogue in ending wars and conflicts and limiting the spread of racism and hatred.
Source : BNA