The killing of the Coptic martyrs helped to bring the issue of Christian persecution into focus for the wider Western culture and media, and spurred an outpouring of donations for charitable aid.
But the hospitality shown to the Pope cannot hide the fact that Christian worship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is heavily restricted.
Most martyrs are killed anonymously while simply going about their jobs before being caught up in the violence from civil wars and terrorist groups. ,,,"In a century of continuing scientific advances, "How come men have not yet found a way of living in harmony, justice and peace with one another?"
Christians, says Edward Clancy of the nonprofit Aid to the Church in Need, "were given the ultimatum of paying the jizya [a tax levied on non-Muslims], being subjugated to that, or leaving." The last option was "staying and probably dying."
“There is a need to better inform and engage the Catholic audience. There is an obligation to keep the spotlight on the topic and showcase the seriousness and pervasiveness of Christian persecution around the world.”