Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb paid a visit on Monday to Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, to extend Christmas greetings, underscoring longstanding ties between Egypt’s Muslim and Christian communities.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Endowments, El-Tayyeb was accompanied by Minister of Endowments Osama Al-Azhari, Grand Mufti of Egypt Nazir Ayyad, and a senior delegation of religious figures. The visit was framed as a gesture of goodwill and a reaffirmation of national cohesion at a time of regional and global uncertainty.
During the meeting, the Grand Imam prayed for security, stability, and prosperity for Egypt and its people, emphasizing that Muslims and Christians share a common destiny within the same nation. He said the visit reflected the spirit of human fraternity and citizenship that Al-Azhar seeks to promote, stressing that religious diversity in Egypt is a source of strength rather than division.
El-Tayyeb highlighted Al-Azhar’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the concept of equal citizenship and to counter language or narratives that could undermine social cohesion. In this context, he referred to recent international discussions hosted by Al-Azhar that challenged the use of the term “minority groups,” arguing that such labels can carry negative implications and detract from the principle of full equality before the law.
The Grand Imam also touched on wider global issues, calling on world leaders to prioritize reason, dialogue, and human fraternity over violence and force. He expressed hope for an end to what he described as unjust wars and conflicts, noting the immense human suffering they have caused across different regions.
Pope Tawadros II warmly welcomed El-Tayyeb and the accompanying delegation, describing the visit as a reflection of the deep-rooted bonds between Egypt’s Christians and Muslims. He said such meetings send an important message both domestically and internationally about Egypt’s commitment to coexistence and mutual respect.
The Pope offered prayers for people affected by ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, Yemen, and other troubled regions, and congratulated El-Tayyeb on his recent 80th birthday, wishing him good health and continued success in his religious and humanitarian role.
Both sides also discussed the work of the Egyptian Family House initiative, a joint platform bringing together Al-Azhar and the Coptic Orthodox Church to promote social harmony. They reviewed its recent expansion across several governorates and stressed the importance of supporting its mission in combating sectarianism, extremism, and hate speech.
The visit comes amid continued efforts by Egypt’s religious institutions to present a unified front against division and to reinforce a model of coexistence rooted in shared citizenship, dialogue, and mutual respect.
