May 6, 2010. Benedict XVI met with Kuwait’s Emir, Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. During the meeting they studied the necessities of Christians in Kuwait.
The official religion of Kuwait is Islam, but the constitution establishes religious freedom. Thirteen percent of the population is Christian, the majority are immigrants, and they live under a rule of tolerance that allows them to maintain their customs and ceremonies.
They also spoke about the interfaith dialogue and the way to promote peace in the Middle East.
At the end of the meeting the Emir gave the pope two elegant carpets and a 200-year-old manuscript. As is customary, Benedict XVI gave him a commemorative medallion from his pontificate and a painting of St. Peter.
This is the first official visit the monarch has made to the Vatican since he was named Emir in 2006.
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