(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received in audience the King of Bahrain, His Majesty
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on Monday. A communique from the Press Office of the Holy
See says the Pope and His Majesty held cordial discussions on a range of issues including
regional peace and stability and the importance of engagement in dialogue. The full
text of the VIS translation of the statement from the Press Office is found, below.
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[Monday,
May 19, 2014] Pope Francis received in audience the King of Bahrain, His Majesty Hamad
bin Isa Al Khalifa, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin,
accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
The
cordial discussions focused on various themes of common interest, with particular
reference to the commitment towards peace and stability in the Middle East, as well
as the promotion of dialogue and peaceful co-existence among all members of society.
Mention
was then made of the Christian community’s positive contribution to the country, and
appreciation was expressed for His Majesty’s personal interest in the needs of the
local Catholic community.