TWO global religious leaders joined His Majesty King Hamad in calling for an end to the Ukraine-Russia war and for leaders to come together and cultivate the ‘garden of humanity’, during the closing address at a top interfaith forum in Bahrain.
More than 200 religious leaders from around the world attended the two-day Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence, which ended yesterday at Sakhir Palace.
“As we proceed together, hand-in-hand, in realising the hope of a prosperous future, we must all come to a consensus on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war and starting serious negotiations for the good of all mankind,” His Majesty said at the closing session.
“We have followed with interest the discussions and deliberations of this forum, and we look on its valuable outcomes and recommendations with optimism and great hope.
“In light of the important outcomes that you have reached, which we strongly support, we reassure you that we will devote, God willing, our utmost care and attention to them, so that they may take the right course within our endeavours to contribute to the spread of peace, and consolidation of the values of tolerance and coexistence between our nations and peoples.”
Pope Francis, who is in Bahrain for an historic four-day visit, as well as Muslim Council of Elders chairman and Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr Shaikh Ahmad Al Tayyeb, echoed the King’s message, in their address to the delegates and other dignitaries at Sakhir Palace.
“I call for peace and ending the Russian-Ukrainian war and sparing the lives of innocents who have no hand in this tragedy,” the Grand Imam said.
“I call for hoisting the flag of peace, not of victory, and to sit down for dialogue and negotiation. In fact, I call for an end to all wars on Earth to rebuild bridges of dialogue, understanding and trust, and to establish peace in a world full of wounds. The alternative is more suffering for the poor and innocent nations and graver consequences for the East and the West alike.”
Pope Francis drew inspiration from Bahrain’s name, which translates from Arabic as ‘Two Seas’, to compare the choices facing humanity – conflict and stormy seas or calm waters and healthy dialogue, urging leaders and citizens to choose the latter.
He cited fruitful meetings like the Bahrain forum as a way that humanity can turn away from the ‘sea of conflicts’ and focus on growing together.
“In the garden of humanity, we are playing with fire, missiles and bombs, with weapons that bring sorrow and death, covering our common home with ashes and hatred,” the Pope said in his speech.
“I extend my heartfelt appeal to everyone that the war in Ukraine be ended and that serious peace negotiations begin.”
The Pope also called attention to ‘income inequalities’, ‘the shameful scourge of hunger’ and ‘disrespect for the environment’ being seen around the world.
His Majesty and the Pope planted a palm tree together to symbolise their commitment to combating climate change.
Today, the Pope is due to say Mass for an estimated 30,000 people at Bahrain National Stadium. He returns to Rome tomorrow.
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