Grand Imam Meets Italian President to Promote Global Peace

Post by : Mara Rahim

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome during the International Meeting for Peace. The event, held under the theme “Daring Peace,” gathered global leaders and faith representatives committed to dialogue and reconciliation.

The meeting reflected the strong partnership between religious and political institutions in promoting peace and coexistence. Dr. Al-Tayeb’s visit highlighted Al-Azhar’s continued efforts to encourage harmony among different cultures and religions worldwide.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam reaffirmed that Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders remain dedicated to spreading peace as a core value of Islam. He emphasized that Islam’s message is rooted in compassion, justice, and coexistence.

Dr. Al-Tayeb explained that this mission has led Al-Azhar to engage in dialogue with global religious institutions. This journey culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with the late Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019, an agreement that continues to guide interfaith efforts worldwide.

“We thank God that this document continues to bear fruit, advancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue,” said Dr. Al-Tayeb. He added that mutual understanding and dialogue are key tools to combating racism, extremism, and hatred in all societies.

Dr. Al-Tayeb expressed deep appreciation to the Italian people for their support of the Palestinian cause, describing it as an important stand for justice and humanity. He stated that hope lies in young people and fair-minded individuals across the world to uphold human dignity, regardless of race or religion.

The Grand Imam encouraged global leaders to remain committed to the values of justice and equality, which are vital for sustainable peace. His words resonated with the forum’s theme of “Daring Peace,” which calls for courage in choosing dialogue over division.

For his part, President Sergio Mattarella praised Dr. Al-Tayeb for his leadership in promoting peace, dialogue, and human fraternity. He described the Grand Imam’s friendship with the late Pope Francis as a symbol of unity between Christianity and Islam.

Mattarella referred to the Document on Human Fraternity as a “landmark for peace and interreligious understanding.” He said that recent global events have shown the document’s continuing importance and urgency. The Italian President also admired Dr. Al-Tayeb’s keynote address at the International Meeting for Peace, which urged people to see peace as a shared victory rather than a competition between sides.

President Mattarella stressed the importance of continued cooperation between Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church, and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He said their joint efforts set a strong example of coexistence and mutual respect for the younger generation.

He also reaffirmed Italy’s support for peace efforts in the Middle East, including the recent Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement hosted by Egypt. The President commended President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership in promoting dialogue and humanitarian solutions to end the conflict in Gaza.

Mattarella urged all parties involved in the region to respect the agreement and maintain open communication, saying that “dialogue must remain the foundation of all relations, both political and spiritual.”

The Grand Imam also spoke about the ongoing cooperation between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Catholic Church. He highlighted joint initiatives aimed at empowering women and engaging youth in peacebuilding programs.

According to Dr. Al-Tayeb, these efforts have strengthened tolerance and coexistence in many societies. He expressed optimism that collaboration with Pope Leo XIV will continue to grow and deliver practical results for communities around the world.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance global peace through sustained dialogue and cooperation. Both leaders agreed that promoting mutual respect among religions is essential for achieving stability and harmony in today’s divided world.

Dr. Al-Tayeb’s message in Rome underscored that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of understanding, compassion, and shared humanity. His discussion with President Mattarella reaffirmed that faith and diplomacy can work hand in hand to build bridges and reject division, shaping a more peaceful global future.