His Majesty King Hamad has met His Holiness Pope Francis at the papal headquarters, on the occasion of his visit to the Vatican City.
His Majesty and the Pope discussed the close bilateral relations between Bahrain and the Vatican, joint co-operation, and efforts to promote tolerance, coexistence, brotherhood, dialogue, and co-operation among peoples.
The King emphasised Bahrain’s keenness on strengthening the historical ties with the Vatican, and promoting global peace and stability through the consolidation of love, harmony and peace.
The King recalled the visit made by Pope Francis to Bahrain and his participation in the dialogue, ‘East and West for Human Coexistence’, alongside Al Azhar Grand Imam Dr Ahmed Al Tayyeb.
Pope Francis expressed gratitude to the King for his humanitarian initiatives and for Bahrain’s hosting of global conferences promoting dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance and religious freedom, as well as his noble efforts for the benefit of all peoples.
His Majesty praised the Pope’s significant contribution to fostering dialogue and understanding among various religions, cultures, and civilisations, promoting human fraternity and tolerance, as well as fostering coexistence.
The King affirmed that Bahrain will remain a hub of coexistence for people of different faiths; promoting respect and freedom of practising religion.
The kingdom’s mosques, churches, and temples symbolise peace which is celeberated by Bahrain as a melting pot of cultures, he said.
The King said he was pleased that Bahrain had hosted the Islamic-Christian Dialogue Conference in 2002, the Forum for Moderation between Theory and Practice in 2005, and the Forum for Dialogue of Civilisations in 2008.
These events aim to project the region’s image and bring together people of all backgrounds, ensuring their rights to practise their rituals, His Majesty said.
His Majesty and the Pope discussed Middle East events. The King praised Pope Francis’ support for stability, peace, and protection of civilians, rejecting violence and targeting innocent people, while adhering to international laws and conventions.
He underscored the significance of ensuring regional security and stability to attain the development and prosperity goals of its countries and peoples.
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