H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, underscored that the statement issued by His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, before his historic visit to the UAE next Sunday, was full of love, humanity, and tolerance values.
H.H. Sheikh Hazza referred to the description by His Holiness of the UAE as a model of interfaith, brotherhood and humanity and noted that he had also spoken about the deep-rooted values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, sustained generation after generation, as well as praising the country’s development and cultural journey.
His Highness said that he was looking forward to the visit of His Holiness and His Eminence Dr Ahmad el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif to the UAE, the land of giving and tolerance
On the other hand, Hjayceelyn Quintana, the Ambassador of the Philippines to the Emirates, said in a statement that Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the Arab region are “overjoyed” at the visit to the United Arab Emirates by Pope Francis.
“On behalf of the 700,000 Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates, the third largest expatriate community in the UAE, it is an honour to warmly welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi,” Quintana said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, and The Filipino Times.
“Filipinos in the Emirates and the Arab region, the majority of whom are Catholics, are overjoyed to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to be blessed with the presence of Pope Francis in their midst. Undoubtedly, this event will not only strengthen the faith of the Catholic community but will inspire them to live with humility, compassion and generosity.”
Expressing her deep appreciation to the Government of the UAE for making the visit possible, Quintana went on to note that this year, 2019, has been declared as the ‘Year of Tolerance’ in the Emirates.
“This brings to the strong consciousness of all people living in this highly-diverse society the values of harmony, fraternity, and humanity,” she said. “For it, the UAE is truly unique and an example to the world – worthy of admiration and emulation. The visit is the UAE’s testament to its enduring commitment in promoting tolerance among the different nationalities who have considered this country their second home.”
During the visit by Pope Francis, he will take part in the Global Conference on Human Fraternity, along with the Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Al Tayeb.
“The UAE, by joining forces with Al Azhar and the Vatican to show a united front against intolerance, is an example that should be emulated by all countries of the world,” Quintana said.
“For the Filipino faithful all over the Middle East who will take part in the activities related to Pope Francis’ visit,” she added, “let us be grateful participants in this occasion by reaching out to our Emirati brothers and sisters and other expatriate friends, and put into action the message that says that we are our brothers’ keepers.”
Her statement concluded with a quotation from the Bible’s Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
