Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE) expresses its profound sorrow over the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, emphasizing its recognition of the Pope’s significant contributions towards the promotion of peace and human fraternity. Furthermore, it reiterates its commitment to perpetuating the ethos of collaboration in strengthening the tenets of coexistence and fostering interfaith dialogue.
The Pope of the Vatican impressed the drafting of the Document on Human Fraternity, a historic initiative that marked a turning point in promoting global peace. This joint effort with His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in the historic meeting in Abu Dhabi in 2019, produced such a landmark document.
Pope Francis’ contribution went beyond mere sponsorship and signing; it extended to ongoing inspiration and guidance toward embedding the values of fraternity, tolerance, and coexistence advocated by the document. His insightful vision and firm belief in the unity of the human family were a powerful driving force in bringing this document to light, making it a global reference that calls for combating violence and hatred and promoting dialogue and mutual understanding among different cultures and religions, in pursuit of a world of greater peace, justice, and humanity.