The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church, held yesterday a special meeting at the headquarters of the Holy See, following their participation in Faith and Science: Towards COP26 summit together with global religious leaders.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed pressing religious, humanitarian and moral issues as well as the challenges imposed by universal changes and events. They also discussed the important role of religious leaders and scholars in eliminating conflicts and divisions that have spread worldwide and how they can counter extremist ideologies that are based on misinterpretations of the heavenly messages of God.
The Grand Imam and the Pope of the Vatican expressed their strong desire to resume the constructive dialogue and joint cooperation towards solidarity and fraternity, a thing which has resulted in the historic Human Fraternity Document signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This document is meant to promote inter-human fraternity. Both leaders noted that the numerous challenges require strength and determination to endure hardships, and that following the teachings of religions is the only way to deliver the world from extremism, division and the overwhelming materialism.
The Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis lauded the efforts and initiatives of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity towards establishing the values of the Human Fraternity Document for peaceful coexistence among human beings.