Pope Francis affirmed today, Friday, that we are determined to choose the path of meeting and dialogue between the East and West, not the path of confrontation, warning against "violence and the resort to arms around the world." At the conclusion of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue, Pope Francis stated, "The Document of Human Fraternity lays the foundations for dialogue and rapprochement for the benefit of humanity."
In turn, Sheikh Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb considered that "the cause of the tragedies witnessed in some countries of the world is the absence of social justice controls," pointing out that "the East and West need each other, and we must not despair that relations between the two sides will regain their health."
Al-Tayeb added, "The Document of Human Fraternity provided a model for dialogue and highlighted the importance of the relationship between the East and West." He also called for "an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war and to sit at the table for dialogue and negotiations."
Additionally, King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stated that "Pope Francis and Sheikh Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb have worked to enrich the Bahrain Forum," emphasizing "the role of religious leaders in addressing the challenges facing societies."
Al Khalifa considered the forum a historic day and a significant event, as its lofty goals align with what Bahrain seeks for the benefit of humanity and its elevation, reaffirming the influential role of religious leaders, thinkers, and specialists in addressing various challenges faced by societies for more peace and stability.
He also noted that "the forum witnessed the participation of an elite from the East and West, who devoted themselves to serving humanity and working for its elevation, uniting both word and action to promote the values of peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation in righteousness and piety."
The King of Bahrain called for "an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine and the commencement of negotiations to achieve peace," adding, "We look at the outcomes of the forum with optimism and great hope as a good indication to strengthen the course of human fraternity, which is in urgent need more than ever to revive paths of understanding and rapprochement."
