A UAE newspaper has said that at a time when the world looks increasingly divided with many prominent leaders resorting to protectionism and preferring confrontation to cooperation, Pope Francis’ call for peace and fraternity among peoples in his Christmas Day message comes as a prudent and timely message.
"There’s no better formula for peace than to uphold fraternity among individuals of every nation and culture, fraternity among people with different ideas, fraternity among persons of different religions. As the Pope well stated, the world’s differences should be considered richness, not a danger," said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Wednesday.
The paper continued, "Pope Francis is revered the world over as a symbol of peace and compassion. He has been campaigning relentlessly for harmony among people of various faiths. He has repeatedly made it clear that hatred has no place in a sane society.
Increased international cooperation is the need of the hour. Challenges like climate change, digital transformation of economies and migration cannot be handled in isolation. The world community needs to remain united and address such issues together. Multilateral solutions to global problems add strength to humanity.
The pontiff has mentioned that he hopes the truce brokered by the international community may finally bring relief to all those children and people exhausted by war and famine in Yemen.
In this regard, the Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen deserves praise for doing everything possible to bring peace in that country despite repeated provocations by the Houthi militias.
The Iran-backed Houthi militias breached the ceasefire agreement 138 times since 18rh December through 23rd December across various areas, including Tahita, Heis, Al Hali, Al Jabaliya, Al Jah, Al Jarahi, Hodeidah, Al Mandhar, Al Makmaniya and Al Saleh Village.
In general, people across the globe would do well to shun greed. The pontiff is right in stating that an insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive.
The UAE is known as a land of peace and tolerance. The UAE model of open-mindedness demonstrates the true image of Islam, which is one of love and brotherhood.
"Pope Francis’ proposed visit to the UAE in February next year has created all-round excitement. There’s no doubt that the visit would go a long way in strengthening global peace efforts and boosting interfaith dialogue," concluded the Sharjah-based daily.
