Papal visit: Francis stresses religious harmony and generosity towards the Rohingya
Francis wants the international community to take political and material steps to help Bangladesh immediately. “This was seen in a particularly eloquent way in the common reaction of indignation that followed last year’s brutal terrorist attack here in Dhaka, and in the clear message sent by the nation’s religious authorities that the most holy name of God can never be invoked to justify hatred and violence against our fellow human beings.”
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis arrived at 10 am today (local time) in Bangladesh. In his first address he said that the international community has to take the necessary political and material steps to help Bangladesh deal with its worst problem, namely the Rohingya crisis, by providing immediate aid, which Dhaka is generously giving to hundreds of thousands of refugees.
The pontiff praised the harmony among religions shown following last year’s brutal terrorist attack in Dhaka, and the clear message by the country’s religious leaders who said that God’s holy name can never be used to justify hatred and violence against fellow human beings.
Francis spoke at the Presidential Palace in Dhaka during the meeting with the country’s political and religious authorities, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of civil society.
On his arrival, Francis was welcomed by President Abdul Hamid (pictured) in a ceremony that included groups that performed traditional dances and some forty children. Afterwards, the pope visited the Martyr's Memorial in Savar and paid tribute to the Father of the Nation at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. In the afternoon, he met again with President Abdul Hamid.
In his speech to the authorities, Francis noted that he is the third pope to visit the country, after Paul VI and John Paul II. This shows that Bangladesh “has always had a special place in the heart of the Popes, who from the start have expressed solidarity with its people, sought to accompany them in overcoming initial adversities, and supported them in the demanding task of nation building and development.”
‘Golden Bengal’, he said, “is a nation that strives to join unity of language and culture with respect for the different traditions and communities which, like so many streams, draw from, and return to enrich, the great current of the political and social life of the country.’
The country’s founder, “President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman understood and sought to embody this principle in the national Constitution. He envisioned a modern, pluralistic and inclusive society in which every person and community could live in freedom, peace and security, with respect for the innate dignity and equal rights of all. The future of this young democracy and the health of its political life are essentially linked to fidelity to that founding vision. For only through sincere dialogue and respect for legitimate diversity can a people reconcile divisions, overcome unilateral perspectives, and recognize the validity of differing viewpoints. Because true dialogue looks to the future, it builds unity in the service of the common good and is concerned for the needs of all citizens, especially the poor, the underprivileged and those who have no voice.”
“In recent months, the spirit of generosity and solidarity which is a distinguishing mark of Bangladeshi society has been seen most vividly in its humanitarian outreach to a massive influx of refugees from Rakhine State, providing them with temporary shelter and the basic necessities of life. This has been done at no little sacrifice. It has also been done before the eyes of the whole world. None of us can fail to be aware of the gravity of the situation, the immense toll of human suffering involved, and the precarious living conditions of so many of our brothers and sisters, a majority of whom are women and children, crowded in the refugee camps. It is imperative that the international community take decisive measures to address this grave crisis, not only by working to resolve the political issues that have led to the mass displacement of people, but also by offering immediate material assistance to Bangladesh in its effort to respond effectively to urgent human needs.”
A prayer by all religions set for tomorrow
For Francis, his meeting tomorrow in Ramna with ecumenical and interreligious leaders a “privileged moment [. . .]. Together we will pray for peace and reaffirm our commitment to work for peace. Bangladesh is known for the harmony that has traditionally existed between followers of the various religions. This atmosphere of mutual respect, and a growing climate of interreligious dialogue, enables believers to express freely their deepest convictions about the meaning and purpose of life. In this way, they can contribute to promoting the spiritual values that are the sure basis for a just and peaceful society. In a world where religion is often – scandalously – misused to foment division, such a witness to its reconciling and unifying power is all the more necessary. This was seen in a particularly eloquent way in the common reaction of indignation that followed last year’s brutal terrorist attack here in Dhaka, and in the clear message sent by the nation’s religious authorities that the most holy name of God can never be invoked to justify hatred and violence against our fellow human beings.”
“Bangladesh’s Catholics, though relatively few in number, nonetheless seek to play a constructive role in the development of the country, particularly through their schools, clinics and dispensaries. The Church appreciates the freedom to practice her faith and to pursue her charitable works, which benefit the entire nation, not least by providing young people, who represent the future of society, with a quality education and a training in sound ethical and human values. In her schools, the Church seeks to promote a culture of encounter that will enable students to take up their responsibilities in the life of society. Indeed, the vast majority of the students and many of the teachers in these schools are not Christians, but from other religious traditions. I am confident that, in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the national Constitution, the Catholic community will continue to enjoy the freedom to carry out these good works as an expression of its commitment to the common good.”
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