Pope Francis writes HM King Hamad a letter of thanks

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Pope Francis thanked His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in a letter on the inauguration of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Bahrain.

Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of People in the Vatican, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, handed over to HM the King the written message by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Al-Safriya Palace.

Apostolic Nuncio to Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, Eugene Martin Nugent, and Vicar Apostolic in the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and Apostolic Administrator of Northern Arabia, Bishop Paul Hinder, were present.

They were in Bahrain to attend the opening of the new Cathedral in Bahrain. Pope Francis praised HM the King’s interest in strengthening relations among different religions and cultures. His Majesty requested Cardinal Tagle to convey his greetings to the Supreme Pontiff.

HM King Hamad praised the role played by Pope Francis in fostering dialogue and understanding among religions and civilisations and reiterated constant keenness to strengthen friendship and cooperation with the Vatican.

King Hamad said the new Cathedral embodies Bahrain’s civilisational and humanitarian role and reflects its tolerance, love and respect for all.