Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Professor Ahmed Al-Tayeb, met on Monday with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in the Italian capital, on the sidelines of the international gathering for peace titled “The Courage to Achieve Peace.” The meeting underscored the growing engagement between religious and political leaders in advancing dialogue, human dignity, and the cause of peace amid escalating turmoil in the Middle East.
During the meeting, the Grand Imam expressed appreciation for the Italian people’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause, commending the widespread demonstrations across Italy that voiced rejection of the suffering inflicted on innocent civilians in Gaza. “For two consecutive years, the people of Gaza have endured killing, displacement, and acts that amount to genocide,” he said. “We place our hopes in the conscience of these young people and all fair-minded individuals around the world who stand for human dignity regardless of race, faith, or color.”
Dr. Al-Tayeb voiced his hope that Italy would join the growing list of nations that have recently recognized the State of Palestine, describing such a step as “a moral and political imperative toward establishing an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
The Grand Imam reaffirmed that Al-Azhar, the world’s foremost Islamic institution of learning, remains deeply committed to promoting peace as the essence of Islam’s message and to clarifying the true, compassionate image of the faith. “We took the initiative to open channels of dialogue with religious and cultural institutions worldwide,” he said. “These efforts culminated in the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with my late brother, His Holiness Pope Francis. We thank God that this document continues to bear fruit today, strengthening interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding.”
He added, “We are confident that dialogue and mutual acquaintance are the only means to confront racism, extremism, and hatred.”
President Mattarella, for his part, praised the Grand Imam’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and human fraternity, and his friendship with the late Pope Francis, describing their partnership as “a model of religious cooperation that transcended borders.”
“The Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019, has become a landmark in the pursuit of global peace and interfaith dialogue,” the Italian president said. “Our contemporary reality has proved the world’s urgent need for the values it upholds.”
President Mattarella also expressed admiration for the Grand Imam’s opening address at the World Meeting for Peace organized by the Sant’Egidio Community, noting that his speech offered “profound guidance,” particularly on the belief that achieving peace is a nobler goal than securing victory for one side over another.
He added that humanity needs the continued cooperation of great spiritual leaders such as Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar to strengthen interfaith dialogue and set a moral example for young generations on coexistence and mutual respect.
The Italian president reiterated his country’s support for the Middle East peace efforts hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh, praising Egypt’s active diplomatic role under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in seeking to end the war in Gaza and foster negotiations that could lead to a sustainable truce. He emphasized that dialogue—whether in politics or religion must remain the foundation for resolving conflicts and building trust.
For his part, the Grand Imam highlighted the positive outcomes of ongoing collaboration between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Catholic Church, particularly in initiatives empowering women and preparing youth to become peacemakers. He noted that these programs have deepened mutual respect and encouraged peaceful coexistence in numerous societies.
Dr. Al-Tayeb expressed optimism that such joint efforts will continue and expand under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, to further serve the cause of global peace.
