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ISLAMABAD: Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, sent a message of peace to the people of Pakistan and expressed concern over the situation in Palestine while discussing interfaith harmony during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to a statement issued Tuesday.
“My message to the people of Pakistan is one of peace,” the pope was quoted as saying in the statement. “We all must work together for peace.”
The interior minister emphasized that protecting minorities is the government’s top priority in Pakistan.
“Our religion, our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), our founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and our constitution emphasize the protection and care of minorities,” he said. “Minorities in Pakistan have equal rights.”
Naqvi briefed Pope Francis on Pakistan’s “sacrifices” and efforts in the fight against militancy in recent years.
“The sacrifices of the Pakistani nation and its armed forces in the fight against terrorism are unparalleled,” he stated.
The statement noted that the pope appreciated the immediate reconstruction and repair of churches after the Jaranwala incident.
He also voiced concern about Israel’s war in Gaza, stating that interfaith harmony and dialogue are the solutions to such conflicts.
“The situation in Palestine is concerning,” he told the Pakistani minister, “and I communicate daily at 7 PM with workers involved in welfare activities there.”
Naqvi also thanked Pope Francis for adopting a firm stance on the Palestine issue.
