Pope Francis sends
a video message to participants in the Arab Media Convention for Human
Fraternity, which is taking place in Abu Dhabi.
In his message, the Pope celebrated the first anniversary of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
He said the anniversary is a chance to renew hopes for “a better
future for humanity, a future free from hatred, rancor, extremism, and
terrorism, in which the values of peace, love and fraternity prevail.”
The Pope expressed his appreciation for the support offered by the
United Arab Emirates to the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, which
is tasked with promoting the values set out in the document.
Pope Francis also said he was pleased to participate in the
presentation of the International Human Fraternity Award, which aims to
encourage “all virtuous exemplars of men and women who in this world
embody love through actions and sacrifices made for the good of others,
no matter how different they may be in religion, or ethnic and cultural
affiliation.”
The Pope closed his message asking God to bless every effort that benefits humanity “and helps us move forward in fraternity.”
I greet all of you present, and I greet especially all the people
in humanity who help their poor, sick, persecuted, and weak brothers and
sisters, regardless of religion, color, or race.
A year ago, my brother, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Aḥmad
al-Tayyib, and I signed a document on human fraternity in the capital of
the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Today we celebrate the first
anniversary of this great humanitarian event, as we hope for a better
future for humanity, a future free from hatred, rancor, extremism, and
terrorism, in which the values of peace, love and fraternity prevail.
Today, on this first anniversary, I express my appreciation for
the support offered by the United Arab Emirates for the work of the
Higher Committee for Human Fraternity. I thank you for the initiative
led by the Abrahamic House, and for the presentation of the Human
Fraternity Award.
I am therefore pleased to be able to participate in the
presentation to the world of the International Human Fraternity Award,
in hopes of encouraging all virtuous exemplars of men and women who in
this world embody love through actions and sacrifices made for the good
of others, no matter how different they may be in religion, or ethnic
and cultural affiliation. And I ask Almighty God to bless every effort
that benefits the good of humanity and helps us to move forward in
fraternity.
Thank you.