Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, said that World Tolerance Day is an important day to remind everyone of the growing necessity of global understanding and respect for human life.

This came in a speech delivered by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak during a ceremony organized by the Church of St. Mary the Catholic in Dubai, under the title: «tribute to the tolerant UAE», to express the gratitude of the Catholic Church to the rulers and people of the United Arab Emirates for their support of the values ​​of tolerance, and to host the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis Baba The Catholic Church to the state in the year of tolerance, which contributes to strengthening the status of the United Arab Emirates «capital of global tolerance».

`` We often hear about many ethnic, religious, cultural and national conflicts, and exclusive policies and rhetoric are growing, even in the safest countries in the world; this intolerant behavior threatens the values ​​of coexistence, which is a fundamental pillar for us as human beings, '' said Sheikh Nahyan.

In his speech, he pointed to the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Grand Mosque, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, to the UAE last February, saying: “Their visit was highly appreciated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Leader. Supreme Armed Forces, who worked tirelessly to achieve this most remarkable historical event. We are all honored by their inspiring presence, for what they represent as global forces for peace and compassion. By signing the Humanitarian Brotherhood in Abu Dhabi, they drew global attention to spreading tolerance, and they were the perfect example of the ethics that everybody should have, if we are to meet the great global challenges of the 21st century. ”

“I am delighted to be present at St. Mary's Catholic Church to celebrate World Tolerance Day,” he said. "This ceremony brings together not only many nationalities residing in the UAE, but also proving that the values ​​of tolerance I am talking about are alive and well."

He added: «Your sense of community is very clear. "You have joined this journey of tolerance with us from the beginning, sharing our values ​​in the past, and in the future."

The Ambassador of the Holy See, Archbishop Francesco Padilla, thanked the UAE for its work in spreading the values ​​of tolerance. “The historic visit of Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi made the world see the UAE's commitment to acceptance, respect and dialogue. The events launched during the Year of Tolerance were testimony to the efforts of the UAE, bringing together people from more than 200 countries living in peace. ” The Apostolic Vicar of South Arabia, Archbishop Paul Hendr, praised the values ​​of tolerance adopted by the rulers of the United Arab Emirates, inherited from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In his welcoming speech, Father Lenny Connolly commended the rulers of the UAE, its people, and the religious, cultural, social and political institutions that make the UAE the safest, most secure and peaceful place in the world.

- The Apostolic Vicar of South Arabia praised the values ​​of tolerance,

Adopted by the rulers of the Emirates.