Al-Azhar Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Yesterday, Saturday, at His Eminence's residence in the Italian capital, Rome, Patriarch Bartholomew I, Patriarch of Constantinople, on the sidelines of the Grand Imam's participation in the Summit of Religious Leaders for Climate and Education under the title “Science and Faith”. 

The meeting dealt with ways to enhance the role of religious leaders in raising awareness of contemporary challenges, thinking about effective solutions, and coordinating between religious leaders and decision makers. The meeting hoped to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change, women’s rights, and literacy, as well as paying due attention to moral aspects in light of the tyranny of matter and personal interests.

During the meeting, the Grand Imam said Al-Azhar did not hesitate for a moment to open up to religious and cultural institutions around the world and added:

Since I assumed the top position of Al-Azhar, I had a set of priorities, foremost of which was building up bridges of cooperation with all religious institutions around the world. I have had complete conviction that societies needed someone who would set an example for them and lead them to the right path to follow. I was certain that this would not be achieved by slogans or mere words, but through practical steps that people see being achieved in reality. Therefore, Al-Azhar initiated partnerships and initiatives with all institutions inside and outside Egypt.

For his part, Patriarch Bartholomew I expressed his pleasure at meeting the Grand Imam, after a number of important meetings that brought them together in Cairo. He thanked the Grand Imam on behalf of all the Christians of the world for his endeavor to open the doors of dialogue and build up bridges of communication, convergence and fraternity among all human beings. He affirmed his aspiration that the partnership with Al-Azhar would continue in order to enhance coexistence, calling on everyone to follow the example of Al-Azhar Grand Imam so that all humanity may enjoy love, goodness and peace.

Al-Azhar Grand Imam visited the Italian capital, Rome, on October 3, when he participated in the two summits of religious leaders for climate and for education. He also held meetings with several religious leaders, political figures, notably the Italian President Sergio Mattarella. He attended the International Meeting for Humanity in the presence of the Pope of the Vatican and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This happened within the framework of the Grand Imam’s foreign tours to disseminate the culture of dialogue and coexistence among the followers of the divine messages, and to consolidate the global role of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif in promoting peace, presenting the correct image of the tolerance of Islam.