The Holy See Pavilion at the Dubai Expo is a friendly hand outstretched to the Muslim world.
The Vatican has brought works like this replica of a Giotto painting showing St. Francis' meeting with the Sultan in Egypt.
TOMASZ TRAFNY
Pontifical Council for Culture
“We're probably the only non-commercial pavilion in the entire expo. But it's important because its message invites visitors to stop and reflect on dialogue, fraternity and especially on the capacity to open one's heart and mind to others.”
There is another piece that is drawing the attention and appreciation of Muslim visitors. It's an original manuscript.
It belonged to the so-called “House of Wisdom” of Baghdad, the rich library that the Mongols destroyed in the 13th century. The library was considered the primary intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age.
TOMASZ TRAFNY
Pontifical Council for Culture
“It's the only piece of the House of Wisdom of Baghdad remaining. Here we have original manuscripts, which hold tremendous symbolic and cultural value for Arab visitors.”
The manuscript is a work of immeasurable worth. The Vatican Apostolic Library loaned it for the Expo. It is usually only accessible to researchers. The Expo is a unique opportunity to admire it.
TOMASZ TRAFNY
Pontifical Council for Culture
“We have many visitors, including Arabs. Just a few days ago, two women came and at the end of their visit said, 'We want to bring our children so they can learn what dialogue means and the importance of encounter and respect.'”
The pavilion isn't just a simple exhibition. It's so much more. It's a gesture of friendship. It's the Holy See extending a hand to the Muslim world to strengthen their ties and act as a reminder of the things that unite them, and not those that divide.
JRB
TR: CT
