In the light of Shi’ite Muslim opposition accusing the Sunni monarchy of overseeing human rights abuses and families on death row inmates had sought help from the pontiff, Pope Francis spoke against the death penalty on Thursday at the beginning of the trip to Bahrain.
Referring to Bahrain’s constitution, the Pope said commitments should constantly be put into practice so that “religious freedom will be complete”, equal dignity and equal opportunities “concretely recognized for each group”, and that no forms of discrimination exist nor human rights “violated”, reports Reuters.
“I think in the first place of the right to life, of the need to guarantee that right always, including for those being punished, whose lives should not be taken,” the Pope added.
Pope Francis was speaking at Sakhir Palace alongside King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. From the stage, was led in a wheelchair to the entrance of the courtyard with the king walking alongside. The Pope rose and the two embraced before the pontiff got into a white Fiat 500 with Vatican plates.
According to Reuters, King Hamad, in his speech, said his country protected the freedom of all faiths to “perform their rituals and establish their places of worship”. Bahrain, he said, rejected religious discrimination and condemned “violence and incitement” under a declaration issued by the state several years ago.
Bahrain seeks to strengthen “our common purpose towards a world in which tolerance prevails while striving for peace,” he added.