In the video he said: “I am happy to visit your country, a land that seeks to be a model of coexistence, human brotherhood and encounter between different civilisations and cultures, where everybody can live and work in security.” He thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for the invitation to the inter-religious meeting on “Human Brotherhood.” The Pope also expressed his thanks to the Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb for preparing his visit.

Finally, Pope Francis called the UAE  a “land of prosperity and peace” and said that he was looking forward to seeing this beautiful country and meeting its amazing people whom he asked to pray for him.

Pope Francis arrives at Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE on the night of the 3rd of February. His activities will begin the following day with a welcoming ceremony in the presidential palace. Later the Pope will pay a visit to the Muslim Council of Elders, and then participate in an interreligious-meeting at the Founder ́s Memorial near the Emirates Palace.

The following day, he will visit the Cathedral of Abu Dhabi, celebrate a Mass in the Zayed Sports City and then say goodbye to local Christians before returning to Rome.

After the visit to the UAE, the next journey of the Pope will be to Morocco, from the 30th to the 31st of March.

Source, photo: Acidigital