Egypt a Bridge Between Peoples and Religions

(06 NOV 08 - RV) Religious freedom and dialogue was also the subject of Pope Benedict's welcoming address to the new Egyptian Ambassador to the Holy See, Ms. Aly Hamada Mekhemar, who presented her letter of credentials to the Holy Father this morning...

Egypt has an ancient tradition of bridging the gap between East and West, and holds within its grasp the possibility of becoming a symbol of tolerance and harmony for all Arab Nations. That was at the heart of Pope Benedict XVI's message Thursday to the new Ambassador to the Holy See from the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Pope noted Egypt's vital efforts in trying to resolve the "countless and grave international problems" currently concerning world leaders, adding they join those of the Holy See which also endeavours to favour and promote peace". Here the Pope highlighted the North African Nation's role as a place of refuge and hospitality for innumerable refugees, both Muslims and Christians. This he said reflected the Egypt's noble tradition in persevering for the good of all.


He also recalled the primary role that religions have in the realisation of harmony between the peoples and cultures. In particular he spoke of the annual meetings of the Cairo based Permanent Committee for Dialogue between the Monotheistic Religions of the Institution Al-Azhar Al Sharif and the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue. Pope Benedict said these have "opened a route for comprehension and reciprocated respect between Christianity and Islam".

To this ends Pope Benedict spoke of the small Catholic community in Egypt, describing it as a living example of the nation's great cultural diversity. "Across Egypt's social spectrum", he noted "Christians are committed in the fields of healthcare and education, caring for the needs of Egyptians regardless of their religious beliefs". "The Catholic Church" he continued "would one day hope that the innumerable Catholic tourists to Egypt would have the opportunity to practise their faith". The Pope added that he was convinced that it would soon be possible for them to pray to God with dignity in their chosen place of worship. Pope Benedict concluded, that this would be a beautiful sign Egypt could give to the rest of the world in favour of brotherly friendship between peoples and religions, in accordance with its age-old and noble tradition.