Manama, November 5 (BNA) His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today visited His Holiness Pope Francis at his residence, in the presence of His Majesty’s personal representative, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the personal representative of His Majesty the King. His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Affairs and Youth Affairs, National Security Adviser, His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
His Majesty and His Highness the Pope reviewed the strong relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Vatican and their steady growth at all levels.
His Majesty the King praised the positive results of His Holiness the Pope’s historic visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the lofty humanitarian contents contained in the speeches delivered by His Holiness during the visit, which emphasized the principles of peace, religious freedom and rapprochement between peoples. He also praised the great success of the mass that was held today and was attended by tens of thousands from Bahrain and the Arab Gulf states.
His Majesty stressed that the common denominators based on noble human principles and values have transformed the relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Vatican into a distinguished model of cooperation to serve humanity by promoting peaceful coexistence between religions and cultures, rejecting extremism and promoting dialogue. The only way to realize the aspirations of peoples for peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
His Holiness Pope Francis expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the King for the warm reception and hospitality and for his invitation to visit the Kingdom of Bahrain. He also expressed his appreciation to the royal family, praising the coexistence and tolerance that characterize Bahraini society.
His Holiness praised the vital role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in consolidating the culture of dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, wishing Bahrain further growth and prosperity.
AOQ