Bahrain Mirror: Detained figures in Bahrain expressed their hope that "His Holiness the Pope will speak the word of truth that responds to the call of faith and instinct," noting that the Bahraini people have been subjected to violations documented in international reports.

The statement, signed on behalf of Ayatollah Sheikh Abduljalil Al-Meqdad, Sheikh Saeed Al-Nouri, Sheikh Mohammed Habib Al-Meqdad and Al-Wefaq secretary-general Sheikh Ali Salman, welcomed the Pope's visit to the country as a "patron of peace, reform and justice."

"Know that you will step on a land where the slogan of tolerance and coexistence is raised for all except its sons and people, and where justice and charity are spoken of while injustice and aggression are implemented," the statement added.

"The children of this land are either among dead, bereaved mothers, injured and suffering, imprisoned, pursued, exiled, taken away from their homes and families, or enduring citizens who have remained in his land. The Bassiouni report and other reports by international human rights organizations have documented many of the violations the children of this land have suffered."

"The achievement of reform, justice and human dignity are the common goals of all heavenly messages that do not accept the injustice of the people or corruption. These are goals that the people of this country have sought to achieve and for which they have made great sacrifices," the statement stressed.

They concluded their statement by saying: "We hope that during your visit to this country you will declare a word of truth that responds to the call of faith and instinct, as the people of this country have coexisted with the people of the divine religions and others as their past and present demonstrate."

Arabic Version