Pope condemns ‘childlike’ war at Bahrain interfaith summit
manama Pope Francis joins Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders on Friday in calling on the world’s great religions to work together for peace as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on at an interfaith summit. should never be used to justify violence and religious leaders must counter violence. The “childlike” whims of those in power who wage war.
On his second day in the Gulf Kingdom of Bahrain, Francis closed a conference on East-West Dialogue hosted by King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. This was his second meeting in recent months, following one in Kazakhstan. This is evidence of Francis’ core belief that moments when people of different faiths meet can help heal today’s conflicts and promote a more just and sustainable world.
Seated around him in the grounds of the Sakir Palace were the Muslim Imam, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, and a U.S. rabbi who, like the King, has long been involved in interfaith dialogue. did. One speaker after another called for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and start peace talks. The Russian Orthodox Church, which sent a special envoy to the conference, strongly supported the Kremlin war and justified it on religious grounds.
Francis said at the rally that the world seems to be pulling apart like two opposing oceans, but that the religious leaders are together means that they are “going to sail on the same sea, and not on the road of conflict.” He said that it is proof that he chooses the path of encounters without hesitation.”
“While a large portion of the world’s population unites to face the same challenges, suffering from grave food crises, ecological and pandemic crises, and increasingly scandalous global injustices, a minority of the powerful It’s a startling paradox that it’s embroiled in a problem, a resolute struggle for partisan interests.”
“We seem to be witnessing a dramatic, childlike scenario. In the garden of mankind, instead of cultivating the surroundings, we play with fire, missiles, bombs, weapons that bring grief and death, and we Ashes and hatred cover our common home,” he said.
King Hamad urged coherent efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and facilitate peace talks “for the benefit of all mankind.”
Following a landmark trip to Abu Dhabi in 2019, Francis’ visit will be his second to the Gulf Arab country, where he will meet with leading Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayb. Al-Tayeb is the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, a place of Sunni study in Cairo, and a key Francis for promoting understanding between Christians and Muslims. has become a strong partner.
Al-Tayeb joined Francis in Bahrain and was on standby in Kazakhstan last month. In his prepared remarks, he called for an end to Russia’s war on Friday, “to save the lives of innocent people not involved in this violent tragedy.”
Al-Tayyeb also called for Sunni and Shia Muslims to participate in similar dialogue processes and seek to heal centuries-old divisions, and Al-Azhar is prepared to host such encounters. said.
“Let us banish all controversies of hatred, provocation, excommunication, etc. en masse, and set aside all forms of ancient and modern conflict and all its negative derivatives,” he said. Bahrain is ruled by a Sunni monarchy and has been accused by human rights groups of systematic discrimination against its Shiite majority, which the government denies.
Later on Friday, Al-Tayeb was to meet Francis privately to participate in a larger meeting with the Muslim Elders’ Council, which he heads at the royal mosque.
Francis also delivered a message of dialogue to Bahrain’s Christian leaders by presiding over ecumenical meetings and peace prayers at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, the largest Catholic church in the Gulf. Khalifa.
Francis launched a visit to Bahrain on Thursday to urge Bahraini authorities to renounce the death penalty and ensure basic human rights are guaranteed to all citizens. ” Some have been sentenced to death for their political activities. The government denies discrimination against Shiites.
Francis also intended to highlight Bahrain’s tradition of religious tolerance.Unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, where Christians cannot practice their faith openly, Bahrain has several Christian communities and a small Jewish There is a human community.
In a prepared remark to the forum, US Rabbi Mark Schneier, who has worked for many years to promote understanding between Jews and Muslims and serves as Al-Khalifa’s special adviser on interfaith issues, said: He praised Bahrain as a “role model of coexistence and tolerance in the Arab world”. different faith communities. ”
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https://www.ksat.com/news/world/2022/11/04/pope-blasts-childlike-wars-at-bahrain-interfaith-summit/ Pope condemns ‘childlike’ war at Bahrain interfaith summit