On Sunday Nov. 17, 2019, Sheikh Ṣāliḥ ‛Abbās, Al-Azhar Grand Imam's Deputy, received Cardinal Francesco Montenegro, Cardinal of Sicily, and his accompanied delegation. The meeting discussed the means of promoting inter-religious dialogue and the efforts exerted by Al-Azhar to promote the values of peace and coexistence among the followers of various different civilizations and cultures.

     At the beginning of the meeting, Al-Azhar Grand Imam's Deputy said that Al-Azhar works to consolidate the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and to build bridges of communication among the followers of various different cultures and religions. He explained that Al-Azhar curricula encourage peaceful communication, and open the door for discussion among all religious sects. He also stressed that Al-Azhar respects all religions and their sects.

     His Eminence also highlighted the efforts by Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Prof. Aḥmed Aṭ-Ṭayyeb, to promote world peace, and to build bridges of cooperation and dialogue with various different cultures. He pointed out that these continued efforts have resulted in signing the Human Fraternity Document which promotes human relations, and lays the foundations of peaceful coexistence and brotherhood among humankind. It also emphasizes that religions are not the cause of conflict or rivalry. Rather, they have come to promote peace and love among all human beings.

     On his part, Cardinal Francesco Montenegro expressed his appreciation of the efforts of Al-Azhar and its pioneering role in consolidating the values of coexistence and in building bridges of love and peace among all people. He also praised the Grand Imam's wise vision promoting the culture of tolerance and laying down the lofty principles endorsed by the Human Fraternity Document among various different cultures and civilizations.