By Benedict Mayaki, SJ
On the occasion of the Award ceremony for the 2022 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, Pope Francis sent a video message for the event which recognizes honorees for their contributions to building a more peaceful and compassionate world inspired by the value of human fraternity.
The Pope expressed gratitude for the occasion albeit held in a virtual manner, and congratulated this year’s three honorees: Their Majesties King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, alongside Haitian humanitarian organization FOKAL (Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty).
Pope Francis said that the event – “a praiseworthy initiative”- is “another step forward in our common journey of fraternity” which comes in the wake of the recently-celebrated 2nd International Day of Human Fraternity held on 4 February.
The Zayed award, granted by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the Pope noted, acknowledges and rewards the efforts of individuals and institutions who are committed to the advancement of humanity and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
It is also a way, he added, “of supporting and thanking all those who strive for the justice, solidarity and fraternity proposed by the Document on Human Fraternity.”
In this regard, the Holy Father acknowledged the efforts of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for proposing the contents of the Human Fraternity Document and for supporting the work of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, which “seeks to spread the values and principles of the Document throughout the world and to achieve its goals”.