The first ambassador from the United Arab Emirates to the Holy See is a woman: Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Al-Otaibi, mother of six children, was received today by Benedict XVI for the presentation of her credentials.In his greeting to her, the Pope said that politics, culture, technology and development must be centred on the human person who is "the source, the centre and the goal of all economic and social life" and that the presence of so many foreigners in the UAE Arab Emirates enriched the nation not only with their work, but the opportunity for encounter between cultures and faiths.
These include the Catholics who are free to worship in Churches built thanks to donations from the authorities.
“Love of God and respect for the dignity of one’s neighbour motivates the Holy See’s diplomacy – said the Pope - and shapes the Catholic Church’s mission of service to the international community. The Church’s action in the field of diplomatic relations promotes peace, human rights and integral development, and thus strives for the authentic progress of all, without regard for race, colour or creed”.
It “takes care to highlight the dignity of man in order to maintain a clear and authentic vision of humanity on the international stage and in order to muster new energy in the service of what is best for the development of peoples and nations.”.
The UAE, Benedict XVI observed, despite the difficulties in recent years has achieved significant economic growth.
"In this context, your country has welcomed many hundreds of thousands of foreigners coming to seek work and a more secure financial future for themselves and for their families. They enrich the State not only by their labour but by their very presence, which is an opportunity for a fruitful and positive encounter between the world’s great religions, cultures and peoples. "
Benedict XVI welcomed the Emirates openness in this area and said he was pleased by the" numerous Catholic churches, built on land donated by the public authorities.
Freedom of worship – he added - contributes significantly to the common good and brings social harmony to all those societies where it is practised."