A “land that seeks to be a model of coexistence, human brotherhood, and encounter between different civilizations and cultures, where many find a safe place to work and live freely, while respecting diversity”. Pope Francis said this in a video message to the people of the UAE released in the run-up to his apostolic journey to the country from 3 to 5 February. “I am happy to meet a people who live in the present with an eye to the future”, Pope Francis continued, thanking Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the UAE authorities for the “excellent collaboration, generous hospitality and fraternal welcome offered so nobly to realize this visit”. The Pope’s thoughts then went to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and all those who collaborated in the preparation of the meeting for “their courage and will to affirm that faith in God unites and does not divide, it brings us closer despite differences, it distances us from hostility and aversion”.