Religious tolerance on show as Pope Francis visits UAE

Pope Francis will go down in the history books as the first in his position to visit the Arabian peninsula.

In his unforgettable visit, Francis arrived in the Emirati capital on Sunday evening where he was received by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who will host him in his palace for Monday (today) ceremony.

I am about to leave for the United Arab Emirates. I am visiting that Country as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together, and to travel paths of peace together. Pray for me!

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 3, 2019

The pope’s 40-hour visit to the united Arab Emirates (UAE) will see him meet federation’s leader and a group of Muslim elders before addressing faith leaders.

Further, he is expected to hold the first-ever papal Mass on Tuesday at Zayed Sports City that will draw over 100,000 believers.

This will be the first public Christian worship in the Arabian peninsula known for its restrictions on religious freedom.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Message to Pope Francis #محمد_بن_زايد#HumanFraternityMeeting#PopeFrancisInUAE#البابا_فرنسيس_في_الإمارات pic.twitter.com/5ZTwMRofag

— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) January 31, 2019

The visit comes after Pope Francis spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and UN-brokered truce.

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“I’ve followed with great concern the humanitarian crisis in Yemen , the population is exhausted by the long conflict and many children are suffering from hunger but are not able to access food supplies… I call on the parties involved and the international community to urgently observe the agreements and assure the distribution of food and work for the good of the population,” he said from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican.