Pope Francis has welcomed the UAE’s announcement of a higher committee to implement the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, which he signed during his visit to Abu Dhabi in February.
The document was signed by the Pope and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr Ahmed el-Tayyeb.
In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, Pope Francis also thanked the UAE “for the concrete commitment shown on behalf of human fraternity” and expressed hope that similar initiatives may spring up in other parts of the world.
“Although sadly evil, hatred, and division often make news, there is a hidden sea of goodness that is growing and leads us to hope in dialogue, reciprocal knowledge and the possibility of building – together with the followers of other religions and all men and women of good will – a world of fraternity and peace,” he said.
The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, announced the Holy Father’s appreciation and remarks in a press statement.
In an interview with Vatican Radio, Bishop Miguel Ayuso Guixot, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue who is a member of the UAE committee, said that the initiative is “very important” and that it will help educators get to the heart of the Document on Human Fraternity.
“The opportunity to educate ourselves and others in a culture of encounter, fraternity, and peace means finding the will to redesign the academic and educational programmes offered by Institutes and universities,” he added.
The high committee, he said, needs to “explore various ways to involve both national and international institutions, as well as religious, academic, and political leaders, all the while seeking to reach young people.”
He also thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for the committee’s creation.
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