Pope Francis arrives in Bahrain for trip aimed at Muslim dialogue

Manana

Pope Francis landed on Thursday in the Gulf kingdom of Bahrain on a visit to advance his efforts for dialogue with the Muslim world.

The 85-year-old leader of the Catholic Church is expected to give the closing speech at an interfaith conference on Friday and meet prominent Islamic leaders, including Sunni cleric Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, the influential Grand Imam of Al-Ashar in Cairo, as well as leaders from other religious groups.

Journalists on the papal plane from Rome reported that the Argentine pontiff did not talk to the press during the flight as normal because of a knee problem.

This is the first ever visit by a pope to Bahrain, an island nation off the Arabian peninsula.

A Sunni dynasty rules the small Gulf state, but the majority of the population belong to the Shia branch of Islam. The sectarian split has caused tensions and complaints of discrimination in the past.

Like other Gulf states, Bahrain’s government has been repeatedly criticized for human rights abuses. Activists and rights organizations are hoping the pontiff will raise human rights issues with his hosts during his four-day visit.

The local Catholic community in Bahrain comprises around 80,000 people.

-Ranjith Perera-