00:00In view of the conflict in the Middle East, Pope Leo has called for peace in the world.
00:05What is Malaysia and Australia's response to Pope Leo's comment? Thank you.
00:11Well, Albanese is a Catholic and a Muslim.
00:15But we share something in common.
00:18We have very high regard and respect for Pope Leo in the Vatican.
00:23He expressed the voice of conscience.
00:25We followed his statements and we share his expression, his desire for peace, for justice, that atrocities must end.
00:40And I think any reasonable, sane person, and I as a Muslim and Malaysian generally certainly support the position taken
00:48by the Pope.
00:50And I think we would certainly suggest that people, sane people across the world, should support the call for peace
01:01against any form of injustice, atrocities.
01:08Whether he made reference specifically to Gaza or the position in the Middle East, for that matter, after the aftermath
01:18of the Israeli-American attack on Tehran and Iran.
01:24But notwithstanding that, what I think is clearly supported and endorsed by us is his call for peace, for justice,
01:36and for order.
01:38And I can't see any way one can question, dispute, or consider that as an unreasonable or unfriendly statement.
01:53I mean, this is a call that must be supported by all.
01:56I am glad to say, too, that the present Pope has done whatever is necessary to engage with leaders of
02:07other religions.
02:09And I understand also that he has been one of the most active in terms of engaging with Muslim scholars
02:21at Azhar.
02:24And I have been really informed that people are extremely happy with this new attitude towards friendship and engagement.
02:33I was honoured to have an audience with the Holy Father, Pope Leo, after his inaugural Mass just a year
02:43ago.
02:43I found him a very thoughtful, dignified, and extraordinary person who will provide leadership,
02:57not just to the Catholic Church, but will be a very significant figure in global affairs,
03:06as was his predecessor, Pope Francis.
03:10I think that the three great monotheistic faiths have so much in common
03:18that it is indeed a tragedy when we see war and conflict
03:27over having an impact on innocent people.
03:32And it's not surprising that the Holy Father would speak in favour of peace and justice.
03:41And I think overwhelmingly that is what citizens of countries,
03:48and in Australia, we celebrate and respect people of all faiths and of none.
03:57And I think overwhelmingly people want to see peace,
04:02and we are seeing the consequences of conflict.
04:06A conflict on the other side of the world.
04:09I think that most people, with respect, I'll speak about my citizens,
04:17most people, if you ask them to find the Strait of Hormuz on a map last December,
04:23I would be surprised if there was a large number.
04:28I could point to it directly.
04:31Everyone knows it now.
04:33There are consequences of conflict for a loss of innocent life,
04:39but there are also consequences for everybody in the world at the moment
04:43due to what is extraordinary negative economic consequences of the conflict,
04:51which is why we will continue to argue for a de-escalation
04:56and for a resolution through dialogue rather than through military action.
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