Italian President: We Value the Efforts of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders in Promoting Peace and Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue
Italian President to Participants at the “Daring Peace” Conference in Rome: I Remind You of the Grand Imam’s Words on the Need to Raise the Banner of Peace Instead of Victory, and the Courage Required to Achieve True Peace
Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed deep appreciation for His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and his outstanding role in promoting a culture of peace, reinforcing human fraternity, and entrenching values of positive coexistence and acceptance of others during his address at the opening session of the “Daring Peace” international meeting organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome.
In his remarks, the Italian President quoted several statements by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar on peace, saying: “I wish to recall the words of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who emphasized the need to promote human fraternity and entrench interfaith dialogue. He stressed that we must all raise the banner of peace among all people, rather than the banner of victory; that we must give precedence to the voice of reason and wisdom; that we must come together at the table of dialogue; and that we must show the courage to achieve genuine peace.”
The Italian President underscored the importance of heeding the voices of religious leaders and figures of wisdom, such as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Pontiff of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He also commended the historic Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence with the late Pope Francis, and affirmed that the force of domination and control must be countered with the quiet strength and spiritual authority of religious institutions. He further emphasized the need to amplify this voice to secure peace and foster a future free from conflict and war for generations to come.