interview Bahrainthismonth.com 2 November 2023 When I was told that I would be among the media flying with His Holiness Pope Francis to Bahrain, I felt honoured and humbled. I know it is given to very few people to have such a chance, and I was thrilled with the oncein-a-life opportunity to be flying with such a distinguished global figure. HH Pope Francis’ trip to Bahrain was highly significant in fostering peace, peaceful coexistence and mutual acceptance and tolerance – the very values that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has been promoting and advancing across the world thanks to a plethora of laudable initiatives. The media group flew to Rome where we would meet members of the papal delegation. When we sat with them and discussed some matters, I was confident. We were united in our visions. Living in Bahrain has taught me that in my country, the variety of origins, the diversity of cultures and the multiplicity of languages were not an issue, but a resource. Not a challenge, but an opportunity. On the flight from Rome to Bahrain, we saw Pope Francis only for fleeting minutes when he came to greet us with a great smile. We were impressed with the impeccable organisation and the great attention to all details. During HH the Pope’s visit to Bahrain, we attended some of the events where he addressed various audiences, young and old, men and women, religious figures and common people, and shared his commitment to peace, fraternity, tolerance and coexistence and stressed that “unity is not sameness” and that “it is unity in diversity.“ Following a highly successful historic visit, Pope Francis left Bahrain, and we flew back with him on the Gulf Air plane to Rome. The Vatican does not have its own plane. During the flight back, we were told that HH the Pope would answer questions. I opted to go first and I found myself sitting face to face with Pope Francis. His Holiness in his white cassock and I in my black abaya. Two different worlds in looks, but united in passion for peace. He recognised my identity and accepted me the way I am. We got along quickly. I spontaneously informed him that my birthday coincided with the date of his election as Pope. He reacted positively and joked about it. The light tone set off a cordial and pleasant conversation. When I asked him about the outcome of his historic visit to Bahrain, he responded that it was “a visit of encounter” and that “I discovered something new that helps me to understand and interact more with people.” The conversation went on for some minutes, and at the end Pope Francis told me: “Pray for me, not against me” before breaking into a hearty laughter. I laughed and then said my goodbyes and moved back to my seat. I was astonished by his request. Pope Francis asking me to pray for him, not against him? That is one request that I will always recall with great fondness. Today, one year later, I recall every second of the conversation we had and of the two trips we shared and the events that I attended. I am so grateful to all those who made my encounters with Pope Francis possible and facilitated my meeting with him. The encounter was so spontaneous and positive, and especially, so void of prejudices and bias. As for Bahrain, the Pope’s historic visit will live on in the Kingdom where he touched the hearts and lives of so many people from the Kingdom and abroad. He was accorded the warmest welcome by HM King Hamad who welcomed him to Bahrain with your blessed and historic visit to the land of ancient civilisations stretching back through the ages, to a country of tolerance, coexistence and peace.” Pope Francis was regarded by the thousands of people who rushed to see him at the National Stadium as an inspirational figure, holding up a candle illuminating a model of interfaith dialogue that infuses togetherness and hope in the world. He rewarded everyone with prayers, and a deep call to work together. “Let us work together! Let us work in the service of togetherness and hope!” he said on his first day in the Kingdom. In his addresses, Pope Francis said that “Bahrain is a living image of coexistence in diversity, pluralism of ideas, customs and traditions.” It’s something we should continue to be proud of. Last year, His Holiness Pope Francis visited Bahrain at the invitation of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. For the first time, Senior Translator and News Editor, Fatima Al Najem, shares with us her eyewitness account of the experience as one of the very few media invitees who were granted full access to the monumental occasion. JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==