Pope Calls for End to Bloodshed in the Middle East During UAE Visit

Pope Francis, the leader of Catholics worldwide, condemned the 'logic of force' in Yemen, Syria, and other Middle Eastern conflicts during his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates on Monday. He addressed Christians and Muslims, stating that war yields nothing but death and suffering. According to Reuters, Francis is the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula and the birthplace of Islam, delivering these remarks in a country that is a key member of the Saudi-led military coalition in the Yemen war. After meeting with UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi, he said, 'War brings nothing but suffering, and weapons bring nothing but death.' He further added at the UAE Founders Memorial, 'The consequences of war and weapons are before our eyes. Specifically, I mean Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Libya. Let us unite against the logic of force.' Before this speech, Pope Francis met with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, who also urged Middle Eastern Muslims to accept Christians. The four-year civil war in Yemen has resulted in over 10,000 deaths, with approximately 16 million people in the poorest Arab country on the brink of famine. The United Nations is working to implement a shaky ceasefire in Hodeidah, the main port for goods and humanitarian aid to Yemen, to pave the way for peace talks. In his weekly Sunday address at the Vatican, Pope Francis also called on all parties to implement this agreement and assist in the transfer of humanitarian aid. Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, welcomed the Pope's remarks on the peace agreement, tweeting, 'Let us ensure its implementation and make 2019 the year of peace in Yemen.' The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar also met with the Pope during this trip and urged Middle Eastern Muslims to accept Christians while also calling on Muslims in Western countries to integrate into host societies and respect their laws. Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Francis signed a document titled 'Human Fraternity,' which sends a clear message against religious extremism. Early on Monday, Pope Francis met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and other senior UAE officials. In Saudi Arabia, where church construction is banned, the Pope's visit was positively covered by some media. Arab News, an English-language newspaper published in Riyadh, described it as a 'historic moment in the Arabian Peninsula' and reported that Saudi Arabia might be the next destination for future papal visits. Christian clergy and diplomats say that in the UAE, restrictions on Christianity are less severe compared to other Gulf Arab countries. In this country, Christian worship is allowed inside churches with special permission, but, like in other countries in the region, unauthorized religious gatherings are illegal, and non-Muslims do not have the right to proselytize.