Cairo: EgyPulse – News Desk
During his address at the opening session of the global conference organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome, Italy, under the title “The Global Meeting for Peace: Finding the Courage to Achieve Peace,” Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his deep appreciation for His Eminence the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and for his leading role in promoting the culture of peace, advancing human fraternity, and strengthening the values of coexistence and mutual respect.
In his speech, President Mattarella quoted several statements by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on the meaning of peace, saying:
“I would like to recall the words of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who urged us to work towards spreading human fraternity and reinforcing interfaith dialogue. He reminded us that we must all raise the banner of peace, not the banner of victory, and that the voice of reason and wisdom should prevail — so that we may all come together at the table of dialogue and have the courage to achieve true peace.”
President Mattarella also emphasized the importance of heeding the voices of religious and moral leaders such as His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence the Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb.
He further praised the historic Document on Human Fraternity signed by both leaders, highlighting that the forces of domination and conflict must be countered with the quiet strength and spiritual authority of religious institutions. He underscored the need to amplify these voices to build a world of peace, free from conflict and war, for the sake of future generations.
