Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has returned from a delicate trip to Saudi Arabia that lasted several days. He was in a country where religions other than Islam are banned and Christians suffer persecution. The cardinal has campaigned for freedom of religion and expression.
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn is back in Vienna. Back from a tricky trip lasting several days to a country where only one religion is allowed, Islam. Back from Saudi Arabia, which recently ranked eleventh on the list of countries with the greatest persecution of Christians because of their faith.
According to the Catholic press agency, the archbishop of Vienna repeatedly said during his talks that Saudi Arabia needs a civil society “in which there are all those basic freedoms that we take for granted, including freedom of religion and freedom of expression”. Christoph Schönborn: “And that is also my wish for this country.”
The cardinal, who made the trip following consultation with the Vatican, held extensive talks with the Minister of Religion, Sheikh Abdullahtif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh. Both condemned any religiously legitimized violence or even terrorism. He also met Deputy Foreign Minister Walid El Kheeiji and members of the Shura Council.
opening of the country
He expressly appreciated the extraordinarily warm encounter with the Secretary General of the World Muslim League, Muhammad Al-Issa. Christoph Schönborn came at his invitation. Overall, he drew a positive balance. An opening of the country is clearly noticeable. He very much hopes that this development will continue and will be noticed and supported by the West. The cardinal also celebrated masses in the Austrian embassy. Private celebrations of masses have recently been tolerated.
