Pope Francis's First Visit to the Arabian Peninsula

Pope Francis, the leader of the world's Catholics, on Sunday, February 3, called for an end to the suffering of the people in war-torn Yemen ahead of his historic trip to the UAE. The Pope stated that "the cries of Yemeni children and their parents have reached the throne of God" and added, "I implore the parties involved in the Yemen war to allow humanitarian aid, including medicine and food, to reach and be distributed in Yemen." According to reports, Pope Francis, during his Sunday sermon to Catholic followers in the Vatican, emphasized that he closely follows the Yemen crisis and is concerned about the situation of the people in that country. The leader of the world's Catholics also stressed that the ceasefire achieved for Yemen is "an opportunity" that all parties should respect to ensure the distribution of medicine and food among the "good people" of Yemen. The Pope urged believers to pray for Yemeni children who are "hungry, thirsty, tired, and without access to medicine." The Pope's "imploring" request to show compassion for the people of Yemen comes as the war in this poorest country in the Arab world has been ongoing for four years and has left over 10,000 dead. Saudi Arabia, at the head of an Arab coalition, of which the UAE is also an active ally, has been one of the main parties in the Yemen war. Some critics have stated that the Pope's presence in the UAE does not align with support for the war-torn people of Yemen, but the Vatican has emphasized that the Pope's visit is about "interfaith dialogue." The Arab coalition entered the war against the Houthis and forces loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to support the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. UAE fighters play a significant role in bombing Houthi positions, and the rulers of Abu Dhabi continue to maintain their alliance with Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict. A ceasefire recently achieved under the auspices of the Swedish government has prevented the escalation of bloody battles in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, but the Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi government insists that the administration of this strategic city, which has been under Houthi control for four years, be handed over to officials previously associated with his government. The Houthis claimed on Sunday that despite the ceasefire, attacks by Saudi coalition forces on Hodeidah and other areas continue. Meanwhile, fighting in other fronts of the Yemen war has not ceased. Pope Francis is the first Vatican leader to visit the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. He arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening to begin his three-day trip. Before leaving Rome for the UAE, the Pope wrote in a message that he is going to this country "as a brother" to "write a page of dialogue together and embark on a path of peace together." Concurrently with Pope Francis's presence in the UAE, an international interfaith meeting is being held in Abu Dhabi. The UAE has designated 2019 as the Year of Tolerance and has prepared various ceremonies. Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Sheikh of Al-Azhar in Egypt, who has traveled to the UAE, will participate with the Pope in the ceremony laying the foundation stone for a religious site that includes a mosque and a church. Catholic Christians from the UAE and other countries in the region have gathered in Abu Dhabi to participate in a grand Eucharistic ceremony held in one of the large sports stadiums in the UAE.