Pope Francis, Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam confirm continued cooperation to achieve ‘Human Fraternity’

Pope Francis on Friday received in the Vatican the Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb of Al-Azhar of Egypt and his retinue. The two leaders confirmed the continuation of cooperation to achieve human fraternity, and spread the values of brotherhood and coexistence.

The Pontiff said that major religious institutions are responsible for spreading good principles and values of love and peace.

In February, the pope and the grand imam signed a joint declaration in Abu Dhabi, condemning “acts of murder, exile, terrorism and oppression” carried out in God’s name.

Titled “Declaration on Human Fraternity for world peace and living together,” the joint declaration was signed during a global conference on the same topic.

Al-Tayeb, for his part, stressed that his meeting with Pope Francis “is a true call to followers of religions around the world about the necessity of adhering to human brotherhood and rejecting hatred.”

He also underscored the importance of spreading values of brotherhood and coexistence.

Al-Azhar released a statement saying that both Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis had affirmed their appreciation for the global interest in the document.

The two leaders expressed their appreciation for the support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for the efforts of Al-Azhar in working towards achieving fraternity.

They also voiced their appreciation for the patronage and support of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, given to the document and the international committee tasked with achieving the joint declaration’s objectives.

During the talks, the Vatican said the issue of the protection of minors in the digital world was discussed.

Al-Tayeb stressed the need to hasten the protection of children from the dangers of the Internet and to search seriously for a way out of the dangers facing children today.