ASIA/PAKISTAN - Cardinal Coutts: "A new wave of harmony and peace, in Pakistan and the Middle East"

Friday, 8 February 2019 peace   human rights   human dignity   dialogue  

Karachi (Agenzia Fides) - "We can learn a lot in Pakistan. The Global Conference of Human Fraternity, held in Abu Dhabi, will generate a new wave of harmony and peace in the Middle East and throughout the world. We appreciate the efforts of Pope Francis, of the Great Imam of Al Azhar, of Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb and of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for their commitment in carrying out this noble mission of peace and harmony". This is what Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop of Karachi, who was present in Abu Dhabi during the Pope's visit, from 3 to 5 February 2019, said in an interview with Agenzia Fides.
Cardinal Coutts observes: "The conference was very important and fruitful because people of various faiths gathered in one place to talk about a message of love, peace, fraternity, according to the teachings of their respective religions. Those present said that no religion teaches hatred and to kill in the name of God".
And he continues: "citizens in Pakistan can take the example of the United Arab Emirates which celebrates the Year of tolerance in 2019. The United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country that offers an example of peace, harmony and tolerance, taking care of the fundamental rights of people living in their land. The government has given religious communities, including the Catholic Church, land to build their places of prayer and worship".
"The Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Abu Dhabi and the Mosque of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, are built side by side: an enormous symbol of peace and harmony in the country", notes the Cardinal, whose episcopal motto is "Harmony" and also actively works to promote inter-religious dialogue and harmony in Pakistan.
The Cardinal concludes: "Thanks to the presence of Pope Francis a new chapter of the history in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East begins, which will make the message of human fraternity and of the protection of the rights of every individual more effective. This message will reach all the people in the world, nourishing peaceful coexistence". (AG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/2/2019)


Share: