His Eminence Prof. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, departed on Saturday for Rome, Italy, on an official visit to take part in the global conference organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio entitled “Finding the Courage to Strive for Peace.”
The conference brings together a distinguished assembly of world leaders and decision-makers, including His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pope of the Catholic Church; Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, along with prominent religious figures and intellectuals from across the globe.
His Eminence the Grand Imam is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the opening session of the conference, in which he is expected to emphasize the importance of achieving peace that is founded on justice, and the moral and humanitarian responsibility of religious leaders to strive toward ending wars, conflicts, and divisions.
During his visit, the Grand Imam will also meet His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pope of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic Church, as well as a number of leading religious figures and intellectuals participating in this international summit. The meeting will discuss pressing global and religious issues, and will urge to unite efforts of religions in confronting the ongoing crises, wars, and conflicts afflicting our world today—foremost among them the aggression against Gaza and the West Bank.
The grand Imam is also expected to underscore the importance of adhering to Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement, viewing it as a fundamental step towards establishing security and stability in the region and beyond.