UAE BARQ برق الإمارات – نبضك
A jubilant spirit of gratitude is prevailing among the Christian community in the UAE, while readying themselves up for Pope Francis’ historic visit to Abu Dhabi, the first by a pontiff to the Arab Peninsula.
The Emirates News Agency, WAM, spoke to a number of expats from different walks and highlighted some reactions to the visit that will be a milestone moment for interfaith relations.
In St. Antony Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, Priest Bishoy said, “Pope’s visit is a ‘crowning’ of an Emirati trend of tolerance that serves an example for the world. It’s a message of peace and progress to the whole world. A message against fanatics and extremists that peace will prevail over forces of darkness.”
Salvador is a Filipino waiter in Abu Dhabi Mall expressed joy as he looks forward to the Pope’s visit, though he won’t be able to attend the mass.
“The visit means a lot to me. It’s the first of its kind, reflecting diversity and tolerance the whole world should embrace as UAE offers an example to other countries,” said Salvador.
Syrian Christian Hala Daroug, an interpreter in UAE, excitedly said: “Great that the Pope’s visit coincides with the Year of Tolerance in UAE, though the Emirati society is already tolerant all along anyway. Something we feel and live while practicing our Christian faith freely in our churches across the country.”
Pia, another Filipino working in one of Abu Dhabi restaurants, is moved by the visit.
“We as Filipinos feel elated with the Pope’s visit. Though I missed registration to attend the mass in Zayed Sports City, I’ll follow it on TV and I thank UAE for its values of respecting the other”, Pia said.
Jenifer, a Jordanian Christian working and living in the UAE, thanked the country for hosting the Pope.
“This is a historic visit for us all, and we thank Emirati leadership for extending the invitation to our Pope. We all are look forward to His Holiness’ prayers, with joy and hope,” said Jenifer.
Excited about the visit, a Coptic Christian from Egypt says: “That’s not new. That’s the norm here in UAE. So the visit is a natural development of the harmony and tolerance among all the people living here as if they’re at home.”
Another Coptic Christian in Abu Dhabi says: “UAE is a pioneer in inter-faith reconciliation; so it’s normal to host Pope Tawadros II, Sheikh of Al Azhar and Pope Francis.”
Another religious leader, Bishop Abakir, stresses the fact that Emirati spirit of tolerance is well-established.
“UAE always welcomes religious leaders from different walks, so the visit by the Pope of Rome is a culmination of this tolerant culture we see here,” Bishop Abakir said.
More than one million Roman Catholics and other Christian expatriates are living in the UAE, which is home to over 40 churches, substantially more centres of worship than all the other GCC States combined.
The landmark visit marks the first time a Pontiff has visited the GCC, and is the first time any Papal visit has coincided with a religious figure as significant as the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb. It comes after His Holiness, Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam accepted the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
As the preparations gather pace, the event organisers have launched the official logo of the Human Fraternity Meeting which will witness the meeting of two of the world’s most prominent religious leaders reflecting the values of brotherhood, love and peaceful dialogue.
The visit from 3rd-5th February incorporates a series of high-profile events in Abu Dhabi, which will provide a backdrop for the two religious leaders to discuss the promotion of human fraternity and world peace. It marks a further milestone in the UAE’s commitment to promoting the human fraternity and shared values of tolerance and humanitarianism, and the peaceful coexistence of all people and religions.
Key events will include a Papal Mass at the Zayed Stadium on February 5th, which is expected to attract an estimated 135,000 people from the UAE and neighbouring countries – one of the largest single gatherings ever held in the UAE.
His Holiness, Pope Francis will also meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for bilateral meetings and discussions.
He will also visit together with Grand Imam the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Zayed’s tomb and the Pontiff will also meet with the Muslim Council of Elders.
