Ramadan is a great time to pray for Turkey and Syria quake victims: Bishop

 Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the head of the Catholic Church in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), has said that the holy month of Ramadan is a special time to pray for people who lost their close family members in the destructive earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

He asked the community to pray for earthquake victims. He also urged people to pray for people who had suffered hardships due to poverty and war.

Bishop Martinelli previously served as bishop in Milan for years. He moved to Abu Dhabi in 2003. Later on, he was appointed auxiliary Bishop of Arabia. Last year, he was appointed as the Apostolic Vicar for Southern Arabia by Pope Francis.

Bishop Martinelli reportedly said, “In a particular way, we remember the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, the suffering humanity was affected by war, sickness and hunger.”

The Bishop sent Ramadan wishes to the Muslim community. He further said that the holy month of Ramadan and the Christian period of Lent coincided this year. He said that the holy month gave people the opportunity to help people in need. Bishop prayed for blessings for the UAE. he further said, “Christians and Muslims have the opportunity to fast, pray and open themselves to the works of charity at the same time.”

Thursday marked the first day of Ramadan in the UAE. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also sent Ramadan greetings to UAE people and other Arab leaders. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, also greeted people and other leaders.

Recently, the UAE President also pardoned 1,025 prisoners to give them a second chance at life. The UAE Prime Minister also launched the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” initiative in order to provide sustainable food aid to people in need.