DILI, 30 april 2022 (TATOLI) – The Newly Elected President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, and the President of the National Parliament (PPN), Aniceto Guerres Lopes discussed the importance of adopting the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.
“Today, the PPN and I discussed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together which was signed by Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on february 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,” Horta told reporters after he met with the PPN, Aniceto Guterres Lopes, at the House of Parliament, in Dili, today.
He said PPN Lopes was delighted with the idea of adopting the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together: “This document would be approved by the National Parliament to be included in the Curriculum of Basic and High School.”
He said the document would teach the school children about religious, ethnic, social class, and political tolerance in the society: “I receive this document from Pope himself in october 2021.”
Horta said Timor-Leste is so far better than many countries in the world as there is no religious motivated violence in the country.
As the second predominantly Catholic country in Asia after the Philippines, Horta said it is important to adopt the document.
In his remarks on the Document’s second anniversary on february 4, 2022, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said that: “On the International Day of Human Fraternity, we reflect on the importance of cultural and religious understanding, and mutual respect.”
“I am grateful to religious leaders across the world who are joining hands to promote dialogue and interfaith harmony. The declaration “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” — co-authored by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb — is a model for compassion and human solidarity,” emphasized Guterres.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
