Bahrain ‘a role model’ for the whole world

TDT | Manama                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Pope Francis’ visit to the Kingdom will further enhance the nation’s stature as the great land of tolerance and coexistence, opined prominent citizens and residents. 

“The Kingdom of Bahrain makes great contributions in the fields of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and religious freedoms, far beyond its geographical size, which is an exceptional thing,” they said. 

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Dr Varghese Kurian, the Chairman and Managing Director of Al Namal Group and VKL Holdings and a prominent expatriate businessman in the Kingdom, said it’s a historic moment.

“The visit by Pope Francis is a great recognition to the Kingdom, which has always been the land of tolerance and coexistence. I thank His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for inviting Pope Francis to the Kingdom.” 

Mohammed Dadabhai, Chairman of Dadabhai Group, said the Pope's visit converges with the vision of His Majesty, to transform the world into a land of tolerance, where all faiths and cultures are respected and loved.

“Bahrain is one of the prominent countries in the Gulf, known for its tolerance and coexistence. I am really grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for being with us. This is going to be a milestone achievement for the Kingdom.” 

Bob Thaker, Managing Director of The National Trading House and President of Thattai Hindu Merchant Community, which manages the Hindu Temple in Manama, said it is a momentous occasion for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“I thank His Majesty the King for inviting the Pope to the Kingdom. His Majesty has always stood for tolerance, welcoming all religions and letting them live peacefully in the Kingdom. This country is always known for its welcoming nature and its peace-loving people. 

“I would like to highlight what His Majesty reminded us a few years ago. ‘Ignorance is the enemy of peace and it is our duty to learn, share and live together in the spirit of mutual respect and love.’”    

Marshal Augustine Thekkumpuram, a resident in the Kingdom for over ten years, said it has been a dream come true. “We thank God, His Majesty and Pope Francis for making the dreams of thousands of believers in the Kingdom and region a reality.

Pope Francis has been a people’s pope in all aspects. His Holiness has always been voicing for the needy and suppressed, even raising environmental issues to a central place within the Catholic faith.”   Vivien Antony Goveas, another resident in the Kingdom for nearly two decades, said he along with his family members look forward to participating in the Papal Mass.

“I consider myself blessed to have gotten this one of kind, once in a lifetime opportunity.”  Thanking His Majesty for inviting the Pope to the Kingdom, Mr Vivien said Pope Francis, as a spiritual leader, has always stressed the need to eradicate poverty and injustice - the forefront elements of His Holiness’ mission. 

“When Europe was eclipsed by xenophobia which followed the migrant crisis, Pope Francis took the lead in showing the righteous way of love and care. His Holiness’ commitment to address humanitarian issues and crises across the world remain unparalleled in human history.”   

Citizen Ali Hesham said he is proud to be a citizen of a nation, which has, of late, become a role model to the world filled with conflicts and crises. “This is nothing, but history being created. I thank His Majesty and Pope Francis for making this historic event happen.”