Pope Francis visited his cousin-sister and relatives at his family’s place of origin in Asti, in the northern part of Italy, on November 19 and had special lunch for his cousin Carla Rebezzana's 90th birthday.
As Pope Francis prepares to visit Bahrain on 3-6 November, Bishop Paul Hinder stated that the visit serves to maintain and deepen the interfaith dialogue with Muslims and give encouragement to Catholics who live in this special situation.
"We need religion to respond to the thirst for world peace and the thirst for the infinite that dwells in the hearts of each man and woman," says Pope Fancis.
Pope spoke of his "honor" for his presence there as "a pilgrim of peace, seeking dialogue and unity" at the courtesy meeting with authorities, civil society, and the Diplomatic Corps.
The Church leader of Central Asia invites all to show “religion as a way to peace” in an interview with the Aid to the Church in Need (ACN International).
A bishop in Kazakhstan hopes Pope Francis' visit will reinforce the message of promoting peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups and religions.
Three Indian cardinals have met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him of several Christian concerns and to urge him to invite Pope Francis to India.