The example of Pope Francis in the UAE will be useful for Africa

Agenzia Fides – Bukoba, Tanzania

Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania, Method Kilaini, has spoken to Agenzia Fides about his experience at the Global Conference of human fraternity held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 3 to 4 February, on the occasion of Pope Francis’ historic voyage to the UAE.

Declaration signed in the UAE will be useful also for Africa

Bishop Kilaini, a delegate to the Global Conference, told AF, "This conference and the Declaration signed by the Pope and by Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyib will be very useful in the context of Africa, where Islamic fundamentalist groups are growing. This happens because many Islamic fundamentalists arrive in Africa, starting from the Middle East, and bring a message of hatred, discrimination and extremism to the local Muslims." The Bishop adds, "What happened in the United Arab Emirates brings a powerful message of peace, harmony, fraternity and says that Muslims want peace in the world, too. The message of fraternity will certainly reach Tanzania and various parts of Africa, helping people develop a peaceful society," he said.

No religion promotes hatred and discrimination

According to Bishop Kilaini, the conference in the Emirates was a sign "that living in peace is possible. In the United Arab Emirates, there are people of various religions, beliefs, ethnic groups and cultures who live in unity without any kind of discrimination. Therefore, it is possible to do it also in African countries. As the Great Imam of Al Azhar reminds us, no religion promotes hatred and discrimination, but every religion promotes love, peace and harmony," the Bishop emphasised.

Pope Francis has given us an incentive

In conclusion, Bishop Kilaini noted, "The presence, the words, the example of Pope Francis are for us an incentive to do more in the African context to accompany people of different faiths to live in peace and harmony."