Bahrain Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Coexistence at Vatican Celebration
His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, took part in the 60th anniversary celebration of the “Nostra Aetate” declaration, held at the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City.
The event, hosted by Cardinal George Kovakad, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, gathered Pope Leo XIV alongside leading global religious and intellectual figures to commemorate six decades of advancing interfaith understanding and cooperation.
In his address, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah expressed pride in representing the Kingdom of Bahrain at this milestone occasion, affirming that Bahrain’s participation reflects the vision and directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He highlighted His Majesty’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Bahrain’s relations with the Vatican and to foster a global culture of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different faiths.
He also referred to the recent official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Vatican and the Italian Republic, noting that it underscored the depth of Bahrain–Vatican ties and reaffirmed Bahrain’s leadership as a beacon of dialogue, peace, and tolerance.
Dr. Shaikh Abdullah praised the “Nostra Aetate” declaration, issued by the Second Vatican Council, as a landmark in promoting dialogue and understanding among followers of different religions. He noted that its core message aligns with the Bahrain Declaration, which embodies His Majesty’s enlightened vision — one that promotes shared spiritual and humanitarian values, embraces diversity, and rejects hatred and extremism under the belief that “faith lights the path to peace.”
He further reaffirmed the dedication of the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence to advancing royal initiatives, including the King Hamad Chair for Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence at Sapienza University in Italy, the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence, and a range of educational and community partnerships with international institutions.
Through such initiatives, Bahrain continues to affirm its global standing as a center for dialogue, understanding, and tolerance — reflecting its unwavering commitment to peace, coexistence, and respect for all faiths and cultures.
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