- "The events of New Zealand and Sri Lanka are a part of a plan to use religions to ignite wars".
- "The Egyptian values reflect the true meanings of religions that have come to promote peace".

     On Saturday morning, His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmed Aṭ-Ṭayyeb, headed a high-ranking delegation from Al-Azhar to the Cathedral of St. Mark at Al-Abbassia to congratulate Pope Tawadros II, the Pope of Alexandria, Patriarch of St. Mark Evangelism of Abyssinia, and the Copts on the occasion of the Easter. His Eminence the Grand Imam expressed his sincere congratulations to Pope Tawadros and all the Egyptian churches, adding that the Egyptian values in coexistence and fraternity among the children of one nation reflect the true meanings of the religions that brought peace among followers of religions.

     He stressed that humanity is facing a plan to use religions to ignite wars and conflicts. This is evident in the terrorist incidents committed against Muslims and Christians in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The he added that Islam and Christianity, with their values calling for peace and love, can never be a justification for murder and terrorism.

     The Grand Imam stated that this painful reality suffered by humanity requires religious leaders to address the erroneous employment of religions, emphasizing that there is no way to confront this criminal plan except through a deep understanding of religions.

     On his part, Pope Tawadros II expressed his deep welcome of  the Grand Imam and his accompanying delegation, adding that His Eminence’s congratulating and presence among them increases the joy of the feasts and reflects the spirit of love and harmony present among the people of this country.

     Pope Tawadros II added that when the Egyptians meet together on religious and national holidays, they show the world the meanings of peace and coexistence, which have always preserved the unity and cohesion of Egypt.

     His Eminence the Grand Imam was accompanied by a high-level Azhari delegation including Sheikh Saleh Abbas, Vice of Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Dr. Shawki ‛Allam, Mufti of the Republic, Dr. Mokhtar Jum‛ah, Minister of Endowments and Dr. Mohammad Al-Maharsāwi, Rector of Al-Azhar University, in addition to a number of Azhari young preachers.