New church and mosque to be built in Abu Dhabi to celebrate papal visit

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, sign foundation stone for construction of new places of worship

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A new church and mosque are to built in Abu Dhabi in honour of the landmark visit to the UAE of Pope Francis and Grand Imam, Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb.

The places of worship are to be constructed in celebration of inter-faith relations.

Pope Francis and Dr Al Tayeb signed the foundation stone to build the new places of worship, named the Church of Saint Francis and the Mosque of Grand Imam Ahmad Al Tayeb, alongside Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed witnessed the two religious leaders sign the Human Fraternity Document that calls on people across the globe to unite to bring about inter-faith harmony and spread a vital message of peace.

In a speech at the Founder's Memorial, Pope Francis called for renewed efforts to end the "miserable crudeness" of war.

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam were also the first recipients of the Human Fraternity Award, presented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.