The Arab Spring movement began in the country of Tunisia. This group called the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, helped ease the transition of the people and the government by promoting a pluralistic democracy.
The group actually won this year's Nobel Peace Prize and they all met in private with Pope Francis in the Vatican. Amid the country's political instability, which threatened a civil war, the group built bridges of communication and it also united religious movements with the laity. Pope Francis thanked them for their work.
'I congratulate you.â?
The Pope called them architects of peace, adding that their mission is carried out with their hands and their hearts. As he signed a recognition form, the Pope also said a few jokes.
'I can't do this in Arabicâ?
As a gift, the group gave the Pope an image of Gandhi. They handed it over to the president of Italian Lawyers, which is the organization which coordinated their visit to Rome.
'It's a symbol of the heart and passion lawyers have for liberty and above all else for equality.â?
The Pope gave the group a copy of his encyclical 'Laudato Si.' He gave them a copy in French, since a version in Arabic is not yet available.
AC
CTV
V
-BN
Up:ATO