Azhar, Vatican Underscore Efforts to Cement Principles of Dialogue

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Francis. (Al-Azhar Media Office)
Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Francis. (Al-Azhar Media Office)
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Azhar, Vatican Underscore Efforts to Cement Principles of Dialogue

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Francis. (Al-Azhar Media Office)
Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Francis. (Al-Azhar Media Office)

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Francis stressed that they would continue their efforts to cement the principles of dialogue.

According to a statement by al-Azhar, the Grand Imam and the Pope discussed the religious, humanitarian, and moral issues in today's world and the challenges posed by global changes and developments.

They discussed the vital role of religious leaders and scholars in reducing division and tensions worldwide and confronting extremist ideas.

They expressed their keenness to continue the constructive dialogue, cooperation, solidarity, and fraternity as mentioned in the historic Human Fraternity Document announced by Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Many challenges require strength and determination to endure hardships and difficulties, they indicated, adding that returning to the teachings of religions is the way to save the world from extremism and division.

According to al-Azhar, the Grand Imam and the Pope praised the efforts and initiatives of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity in activating and consolidating the values of the document for coexistence among human beings.

On Monday, the Vatican, in cooperation with the British and Italian embassies, hosted a meeting on climate change entitled "Faith and Science: Towards COP26 Summit", which was held ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) on November 1-12 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The meeting was attended by various religious international leaders and scholars, who signed a joint appeal urging governments to commit to ambitious targets at the COP26 while promising to do their part to lead their faithful into more sustainable behavior.

The joint appeal called on those concerned to create practical solutions to save Earth from an "unprecedented ecological crisis" and work hard to reinforce the solidarity between developing and developed countries, reduce the risks posed by climate change, and promote common ethical values to address this crisis.

Sheikh Ahmed launched an appeal to denounce any activity that negatively affects the environment or worsens climate change while calling on religious leaders to perform their religious duty to address the crisis.



Türkiye Says Israeli Raid on Gaza Aid Boat Violated International Law

A tug vessel puts out a fire on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience off Malta on May 2, 2025. Malta Government Department of Information via Reuters
A tug vessel puts out a fire on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience off Malta on May 2, 2025. Malta Government Department of Information via Reuters
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Türkiye Says Israeli Raid on Gaza Aid Boat Violated International Law

A tug vessel puts out a fire on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience off Malta on May 2, 2025. Malta Government Department of Information via Reuters
A tug vessel puts out a fire on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla vessel Conscience off Malta on May 2, 2025. Malta Government Department of Information via Reuters

Türkiye on Monday condemned Israel's seizure of a Gaza-bound aid vessel which it said was carrying Turkish citizens as well as activist Greta Thunberg among its 12-strong crew, calling the move a "clear violation of international law".

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the intervention threatened maritime security and "once again demonstrates that Israel is acting as a terror state."

Israeli naval forces boarded and seized a charity vessel that had tried to break a naval blockade of the war-torn Gaza Strip on Monday and the boat with its crew of 12, including activist Greta Thunberg, is now heading to a port in Israel.

The British-flagged yacht, Madleen, which is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza later on Monday and raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there.