Discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates at the Presentation
of Credentials
(May 20, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI, while receiving the First Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Madam Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Al-Otaiba at the Vatican on Thursday, 20th of May, said that the love of God and respect for the dignity of one’s neighbour motivates the Holy See’s diplomacy and shapes the Catholic Church’s mission of service to the international community. He added that the Church’s action in the field of diplomatic relations promotes peace, human rights and integral development, and thus strives for the authentic progress of all, without regard for race, colour or creed. At the same time, the Pontiff said that the Catholic Church takes care to highlight the dignity of man in order to maintain a clear and authentic vision of humanity on the international stage and in order to muster new energy in the service of what is best for the development of peoples and nations. The Pope then commended the United Arab Emirates for achieving notable economic growth in recent years in spite of the many difficulties. In this context he added that their country has welcomed many hundreds of thousands of foreigners coming to seek work and obtain a more secure financial future for themselves and for their families. Pope Benedict expressed his satisfaction that there are several Catholic churches built on lands donated by the public authorities. He expressed his earnest wish that this cooperation may continue according to the growing pastoral necessities of the Catholic population there, as the freedom of worship contributes significantly to the common good and brings social harmony to all those societies. The Holy Father assured the Ambassador of the desire of the Catholic Christians present in the country would contribute to the well-being of the society, to live God-fearing lives and to respect the dignity of all peoples and religions.
| All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©. |