Pope Francis spoke at the closing session of a top interfaith forum this morning.
More than 200 religious leaders from around the world are attending the two-day ‘Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence’ which was opened by Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the Special Representative of the King, at the Isa Cultural Centre yesterday.
In today's address, the pontiff drew inspiration from Bahrain's name, which translates from Arabic as two seas, to compare the choices facing humanity - conflict or calmness, urging leaders and citizens to choose the latter.
He cited fruitful encounters like the Bahrain Forum as a way that humanity can turn away from the 'sea of conflicts' and focus on growing together.
He also called attention to "income inequalities", "the shameful scourge of hunger" and "disrespect for the environment" being seen around the world.
He also asserted the right to religious freedoms, adding that religious coercion can never lead to a meaningful relationship with God.
He emphasised three educational priorities: Education in the public sphere and work; education as a fundamental right for children, which starts in the family and continues in the community; and education through citizenships and moving past just tolerance to open-hearted acceptance and encouragement where people are never marginalised.
&uuid=(email))