Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Dialogue and negotiation as only options to end conflicts in the Middle East and the protection of religious freedom in Egypt were the central topics of the meeting today at the Vatican between Pope Francis and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
A Vatican
communique informs that "during the cordial exchange,
discussions centered around the situation in the Egyptian nation, highlighting
the closeness and solidarity of the Church to all the people of Egypt during
this period of political transition. At the same time, hope was expressed that
within the framework of guarantees enshrined by the new Constitution in terms
of the safeguard of human rights and religious freedom, the peaceful coexistence
among all components of society may be strengthened and the path to
inter-religious dialogue may continue to be pursued".
"Furthermore, themes of common interest were discussed with particular
reference to the role of the country in the promotion of peace and stability in
the Middle East and North Africa. In this regard, it was reiterated that
dialogue and negotiation are the only options to put an end to the conflicts
and to the violence that endanger defenseless populations and cause the loss of
human lives".
The Egyptian president arrived at the Vatican shortly
before 14:30, amid visibly tight security
measures. Upon greeting at the door of the private
library, the journalists presents
report the words "peace"
and "commitment" expressed by the President who also said to
Francis that he was "very
pleased to meet you, you are a of great value for all humanity ", and the words "take courage" in
the Pope's reply.
The private talks were followed by the usual moment for
official photographs and the exchange of gifts. The Pope
gave the President a medal of the second year of his pontificate and a copy of his
apostolic exhortation "Evangelii
gaudium" bound in red. The president in turn presented
the Pope with a silver inlaid casket.