Francisco condemned violence justified by religion | Chronic

Pope Francis called Monday to condemn "without hesitation" any form of violence justified in the name of religion, at an interreligious meeting in Abu Dhabi, during the first visit of a pontiff in the Arabian Peninsula.

"We must condemn all forms of violence without hesitation, because using the name of God to justify hatred and violence against the brother is a serious desecration, no violence can be justified in religion", he stressed Francisco.

He added that we should not fall "the recurrent temptation to judge others as enemies and adversaries" and he made reference to "bridging the gap between friends and foes", according to the agency EFE.

"There is no alternative: either we build the future together, or there will be no future"warned the pope since the memorial of the founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Francisco added that "religions, in a special way, can not give up the urgent task of building bridges between peoples and cultures", after announcing the signing of a document of human fraternity with the great Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed al Tayeb, the main institution of Sunni Islam.

The text entitled "Document of human fraternity" is a statement of intent by the two religious leaders, representing "East and West Muslims, as well as the Catholic Church and East and West Catholics".

In the document, they point out that "no one is allowed to use the name of God to justify war, terrorism or any other form of violence" and they claim that "Whoever kills a person, kills humanity, and who saves a person, it is like he saved all humanity".

They also declare the adoption of "a culture of dialogue as a way and mutual cooperation as a code of conduct", he added.

Franco and Ahmed al Tayeb refer to those who suffer in the world, to children, to those fleeing wars and others, in addition to calling for fundamental freedoms such as worship and the equality of all. human beings without discrimination of minorities.

This statement is a "important step" in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims, and a "mighty sign of peace and hope for the future of humanity"according to a statement from the Holy See.

The day of Pope Francis began with the reception, in the presidential palace of Abu Dhabi, by the head of this emirate and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, in the first official act of his visit to the country.

Abu Dhabi 's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, who hosted the reglioso at the emirate' s airport last night, was also present at the official reception, where he landed just before 22. local hours (15 hours in Argentina).

Francisco was invited to Abu Dhabi to participate in the meeting of the Human Fraternity, a conference attended by representatives of all religions, but especially Christians and Muslims.

In addition to interreligious dialogue, the pope will offer Tuesday mbad mbad to Catholic faithful, the majority of foreigners reside in this Muslim country.