A historic meet of King Abdullah and Pope XVI

Nov 07: In the third step of European visit, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia who is also the custodian of most holy place of the Islamic community has met first time in the history to Christian’s top religious guru, Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City, the most holy place of the Christians on Tuesday.

The highly honoured persons were met to discuss the condition of their communities in the world and their regions. According to Vatican authority, “It was a ‘private’ meeting that was very ‘warm’ and opens a new hope for the Christians who live in the Saudi Arabia”.

Pope Benedict and Vatican’s No 2 official admires the contribution of Christian community in Saudi Arabia who are approximately 1.5 million in Saudi Arabia. The Vatican officials has appealed to the king to withdraw the ban of opening church in his country and allow to put on the Christian symbol in the public that is banned to wear publicly in the country.

“The Vatican authorities expressed their hope for the prosperity of all the inhabitants of the country, and mention was made of the positive and industrious presence of Christians", said the Vatican officials.

Both the persons met warmly. Benedict grasps the both hand of Abdullah before beginning the private meeting in his library.

Besides the discussion over the condition of Christians in Arabia, Vatican official has also informed to media persons that several other topics include inter-cultural and inter-religious relationship and the condition of Middle East, especially a conflict situation between Israeli and Palestinian were also seriously discussed.

"The ‘collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews’ for the promotion of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values” particularly those who support their family were also among the discussion topics.

Following the traditional rule, both the meeting persons have presented gift to each other. King Abdullah gifted a golden sword studded with jewels, a gold and silver statue of a palm tree and a man riding a camel, while Pope presented 16th century print and a gold medal of his pontificate to the king. Both the honoured persons have appreciated each other’s gift though Pope didn’t touch the sword.

This meeting can be crucial part of the world history as there is no diplomatic tie between those religious countries, even though Sheikh Abdullah had already met the former pope John Paul II, when he was the heir of the king.