According to the Vatican press office, His Holiness’ program of activities in that Persian Gulf country includes his participation in the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence.

The aircraft carrying the Bishop of Rome must arrive at the Sakhir Air Base in the city of Awali at 16:45 hours, local time, where an official welcoming ceremony will take place.

Francis will pay a courtesy visit to the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, at the Sakhir Palace, and a welcoming ceremony will take place there.

He will then meet with authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic staff and deliver the first speech of his apostolic journey.

On November 4, Pope Francis will attend the Bahrain Forum and close it with a second speech. Later, he will meet with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayyeb, at the Papal Residence near the Sakhir Royal Palace.

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