(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 5th February, 2019 (WAM) -- The fact that His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church chose this moment in history to embark on the first-ever visit by any pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula is weighty, especially as in past decades much of the world, particularly this region, has seen a rise in intolerance and extremism, according to an editorial published by Lebanon-based The Daily Star.
Titled 'A promise of peace', the writer Hanna Anbar, says that the pope's arrival in itself is a message by this man of peace that coexistence, tolerance and dialogue are the means to put an end to prejudiced attitudes that have only served to cause distress, angst and misery.
It's also significant that the pope's visit to the UAE, whose founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was himself a pioneer in fostering coexistence in the federation, was met with open arms by Muslim religious elders who are equally keen to promote tolerance and dialogue in a region long plagued by extremism, reads the editorial.
The paper went on to say, that this part of the world has witnessed enough anguish resulting from rigid attitudes toward acceptance, and it is high time it transitions to a new path. The joint statement signed by Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmad el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, the highest Sunni seat of learning, which carried a message against religious extremism and their hopes for world peace marks the cornerstone in this more enlightened worldview.
"We have grown weary of the persistent tensions arising from archaic perceptions, and this landmark gathering of religious leaders whose followers number in the billions, men of wisdom embracing one another in brotherhood, offers hope to a region, and the world as a whole, which has been craving peace and dialogue after what seems like an eternity of hatred," the paper added.
This visit is a catalyst, a first step and a promise for improved ties, and efforts should be relentless in bringing together people of different faiths while eradicating the scourge of extremism, the paper concluded.
WAM/MOHD AAMIR
MENAFN0502201900610000ID1098076995
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.