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Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders: Lebanon is dear to every Arab and Muslim; we pray that it may be blessed with peace and security

Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Lebanese President affirm the importance of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in promoting the values of citizenship

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, received today, Monday, His Excellency President Joseph Aoun, President of the Republic of Lebanon, to discuss ways of enhancing mutual cooperation and addressing the challenges facing the region.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar warmly welcomed the Lebanese President and his accompanying delegation. He affirmed that “Lebanon holds a special place in the heart of every Arab and Muslim. We follow its developments closely and fully recognize the difficult circumstances you are facing. We pray that God grants you success in unifying the Lebanese people, liberating Lebanese lands, and preserving national unity.” His Eminence further praised Lebanon’s rich diversity and the harmony among its religious communities.

His Excellency President Aoun, for his part, expressed his delight at making his first visit to Al-Azhar, voicing his appreciation for the Grand Imam’s leadership. “We closely follow your vision and your efforts to serve humanity and combat extremism. The world today is in dire need of wise voices like yours,” the President remarked.

During the meeting, His Excellency President Aoun extended an official invitation to His Eminence the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, to visit Lebanon and to oversee the reopening of the Azhar Institute in Beirut, which had suspended its operations due to the country’s difficult circumstances. The Grand Imam graciously accepted the invitation and affirmed his intention to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity. He also confirmed Al-Azhar’s readiness to reopen the Beirut-based institute, supplying it with top-tier scholars and educators, as well as authentic Azhar curricula and resources. 

The conversation also highlighted the significance of the historic Document on Human Fraternity, signed by the Grand Imam, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and the late Pope Francis. Both sides emphasized the practical steps Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders have taken to engage with religious and cultural institutions worldwide. They also underscored the importance of a series of documents issued by Al-Azhar that have advanced the principle of “full citizenship” and rejected the divisive concept of “minorities.”

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the official inauguration ceremony of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as Head of the Catholic Church, which took place on Sunday in Saint Peter’s Square at Vatican City.

On behalf of His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, attended the inauguration. During the ceremony, he conveyed the Council’s heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his formal inauguration as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Judge Abdelsalam noted that the messages conveyed by Pope Leo XIV since his election on 8 May reflect his strong commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and continuing the path of fraternity and coexistence. This was clearly evident in the Pope’s first audience with the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders last Monday—marking the first Islamic delegation received by the Pontiff following his election—as well as in the telephone call that took place between His Holiness and His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. During that call, the world’s two foremost religious leaders affirmed their shared resolve to work together in advancing the values of peace, fraternity, and coexistence; defending the rights of the poor, the vulnerable, and the oppressed; and striving to end the many conflicts and crises facing our world today—particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere.

The ceremony took place in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, marking the official inauguration of Pope Leo XIV as the successor to the late Pope Francis, who left behind a profound humanitarian legacy, crowned by the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Widely regarded as one of the most important declarations in modern history, the Document calls for the promotion of dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity among all people, regardless of their differences and diversity.

Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Participates in Launch of Groundbreaking International Document to Support the Protection of the Elderly and Preserve Their Dignity

In the first official activity of the Vatican under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Pontifical Academy for Life, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) jointly launched a landmark charter dedicated to supporting and safeguarding the rights and dignity of older persons. The initiative reflects a unified vision rooted in the urgent need to intensify joint efforts in empowering older adults, affirming their right to independence and full participation in society, and protecting them from all forms of discrimination, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

The document was signed by His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; His Eminence Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life; and Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, President and CEO of AARP. It calls for enabling mechanisms that allow older persons to make informed choices for themselves and their families, and to have access to high-quality healthcare that is tailored to their individual needs and respects their personal preferences.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam stated that the charter seeks to promote care and respect for the elderly, recognizing them as the memory keepers of human societies and custodians of cultural identity and accumulated experience. He emphasized that passing on wisdom and knowledge across generations strengthens societal resilience in times of crisis and lays the foundation for a balanced future. He also affirmed that the Muslim Council of Elders—headquartered in Abu Dhabi—will work to actively support and advance the values and principles set forth in this significant document.

As the first initiative of its kind in the field of elder care, the charter highlights the critical role of families in supporting older persons and affirms the shared moral and social responsibility of institutions, governments, and communities to promote the long-term well-being and prosperity of all age groups. It calls on global leaders, international organizations, and civil society institutions to engage with and support national policymakers in adopting more effective policies and practices that enhance the welfare of aging populations and contribute to the dignity and well-being of all, especially the elderly.

The signatories agreed to work together to translate the charter’s values and principles into tangible action by advocating for a world where older persons can live with dignity and purpose. They committed to strengthening efforts that promote scientific research, public policy, and interventions that enable older adults to live longer, healthier lives; counter age-based discrimination in all its forms; and push for the adoption of binding international legislation to protect the rights and dignity of older persons. The signatories also proposed the establishment of a dedicated international body or agency to champion the objectives outlined in the charter and to lay the foundations for a global framework that ushers in a new era in which older persons everywhere can live with dignity in flourishing communities.

The Secretary-General also took part in a high-level global symposium at the Vatican titled “The Memory: Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population,” held from May 9 to 10. The event explored the relationship between memory and human dignity and addressed both the opportunities and challenges posed by global population aging. The symposium gathered prominent international officials, global leaders, and senior religious figures from around the world.

The Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized the urgent need to strengthen international efforts to promote the values of coexistence, tolerance, and peace. It called for an end to the wars and conflicts afflicting the world today and urged the adoption of a clear, united strategy to combat hate speech, violence, and Islamophobia—core challenges that must be addressed to ensure the progress and prosperity of nations and societies.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day of Living Together in Peace, the Council affirmed that the teachings of Islam call for respect for others and the preservation of human dignity, regardless of race, color, or religion. God Almighty says: “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may [get to] know one another” [Qur’an, 49: 13]. Promoting peace, the Council noted, is a deeply rooted Islamic principle—established as a foundational ethic of the Muslim Ummah and intimately tied to the spiritual and social fabric of Islamic life.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stressed that the world today is in dire need of prioritizing reason, dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, and peace in the face of escalating wars, growing polarization, and the alarming rise in hate speech, fanaticism, and Islamophobia. He stated that on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to justice, coexistence, equality, and respect for diversity, recognizing human dignity as the cornerstone of all development and progress. Peace, he said, is the best and only path to building a promising future for the coming generations—one marked by dignity, stability, and free from sectarian, racial, or cultural divisions.

Since its inception, the Muslim Council of Elders has played a pivotal role in advancing the values of tolerance, fraternity, and mutual understanding among people of different faiths and cultures. The Council has launched impactful initiatives and led global conversations—most notably the East–West dialogues, culminating in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019 by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the late Pope Francis, Former Pontiff of the Catholic Church. Among its other key programs are the “Emerging Peacemakers Forum,” the “Human Fraternity Fellowship Program,” and global Peace Convoys, which have traveled the world promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. The Council has also organized numerous international conferences addressing critical issues related to global peace, coexistence, diversity, and the promotion of dialogue, peace, full citizenship, and human fraternity.

The Muslim Council of Elders participated in the G20 Interfaith Forum, held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on May 13–14. The event coincided with the observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week.

The Council took part in the Forum’s Opening Plenary Session, titled “The African Union at the G20 Summit: The Role of Africa’s Faith Communities to Advance G20 Purposes in Africa.” During the session, Mr. Mohamed Bahr, Director of Strategic Planning at the Muslim Council of Elders, affirmed the Council’s belief in the vital and transformative role of faith communities in Africa in advancing both global and continental priorities. He highlighted the impact of trusted religious institutions in addressing poverty, inequality, and conflict, as well as the critical role of African faith leaders in areas such as food security, climate action, and migration.

Mr. Bahr also noted the Council’s efforts to advance peace in Africa and uphold the values of dialogue, coexistence, and peace through several key initiatives. These include the Peace Convoys, the Emerging Peacemakers Forum, and the practical implementation of the principles of the historic Document on Human Fraternity. He emphasized that the core values upheld by religious institutions—justice, compassion, care, and solidarity—align directly with the priorities of the G20, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

In the Forum’s third plenary session, titled “Sustainable Development in a World in Turmoil: Africa’s Contributions, Africa’s Needs,” the Council’s intervention focused on Africa’s contributions to sustainable development, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable financing, debt relief, and inclusive policies that empower women and youth. The Council called on faith leaders to pursue equitable solutions and collaborative responses to pressing humanitarian challenges. It also highlighted the Council’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of faith leaders in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.

Among these initiatives is the launch of the first-ever Faith Pavilion at COP28, which unified the voices of faith leaders in addressing the climate crisis. The Council also announced its new initiative, “Religions for Peace and Development,” reaffirming its commitment to interfaith collaboration as a means of fostering global resilience and prosperity.

The G20 Interfaith Forum in Addis Ababa was held in celebration of the African Union’s membership in the G20. The forum focused on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025, through the contributions of Africa’s faith communities. The event brought together faith leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to advance dialogue and develop actionable solutions for peace, sustainability, and social justice.

Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, and Pope agree to continue the path of human fraternity

Grand Imam and Pope Leo XIV issue a joint call to end wars and conflicts, particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Leo XIV agree to collaborate in supporting the rights of the vulnerable, underprivileged, and oppressed

In a phone call between two of the world’s most prominent religious leaders on Wednesday, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, congratulated His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Head of the Catholic Church.

His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, stated in a post on his official social media accounts that during a phone call today with his dear brother, Pope Leo XIV, he congratulated him on his election as Head of the Catholic Church.

He added that the pair affirmed the importance of continuing the path of dialogue and human fraternity to promote coexistence and global peace, while emphasizing the urgent need to work toward ending the wars and conflicts facing our world, particularly in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and to support the rights of the vulnerable, underprivileged, and  oppressed.

In the first event hosted by the Vatican following the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders affirms: “We are confident in the continuation of the Human Fraternity journey. Pope Francis leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion and noble humanitarian service.”

Secretary-General: Passing on wisdom and experience across generations strengthens societal resilience and lays the foundation for a balanced future.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, took part in the international symposium held at the Vatican from May 9–10, discussing the memory and its connection to human dignity—a symposium addressing the opportunities and challenges of an aging global population. The event brought together high-level officials, global thought leaders, and senior religious figures from around the world.

At the outset of his remarks during the opening session of the symposium, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders stated:
“With deep emotion, I stand before you today, recalling that we were invited to this symposium under the patronage of His Holiness Pope Francis—whose enduring memory continues to live in the hearts of all who knew him closely. I was, with all humility, one of them. His lasting impact remains etched in the conscience of everyone who witnessed his presence, actions, and noble humanitarian stances. We saw the depth of his faith in the values of genuine human life—not a life of pretense, but one of sincerity. He embodied this faith in a remarkable way, especially in his insistence on living naturally until the very end, without medical intervention, choosing instead to depart this life with spontaneity and dignity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Pontiff of the Catholic Church. We hold firm confidence in our continued journey of dialogue and fraternity with His Holiness, in pursuit of peace. Together, we shall persist in promoting the values of love, understanding, and mutual recognition, for the sake of a better world and a future where all may enjoy security, peace, and stability.”

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam conveyed the support of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, for this significant initiative focused on protecting the dignity and well-being of the elderly. He emphasized that older adults represent the collective memory of societies—a living archive of identity, wisdom, and experience. Preserving this wisdom and transferring it across generations, the Secretary-General noted, enhances a society’s ability to withstand crises and build a stable and balanced future. He noted that recent studies show how involving the elderly in education and mentoring programs benefits not only their mental health but also offers younger generations valuable insight. Having grandparents in the household, he added, positively influences children’s health and success—a phenomenon now known academically as the “Grandmother Effect.”

His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam underscored that Islam honors human beings at every stage of life. As the Quran states: “Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam…” (The Qur’an, 17:70). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged the honoring and reverence of the elderly, saying: “He is not one of us who shows no mercy to younger ones and does not acknowledge the honour due to our elders.” Adhering to such respect and veneration for older individuals is, in essence, a form of glorifying the Almighty— the Giver of life and the Source of all dignity. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Glorifying Allah involves showing honour to a grey-haired Muslim…”

The Secretary-General further emphasized the importance of preserving this collective memory by giving special attention to the cognitive health of the elderly. He stressed the need to create environments that uphold their dignity and protect them—psychologically, economically, and physically—from neglect or discrimination. He also called for a renewed recognition of this stage of life as the crowning chapter of human experience—one that offers opportunities for continued contribution and the blessing of meaningful living.

In conclusion, His Excellency Judge Abdelsalam emphasized the importance of developing a clear and inclusive vision for elderly care—one rooted in the principles of intergenerational solidarity, justice, dignity, and respect. He affirmed that the future of our societies depends on our collective ability to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by an aging population. He urged, “We must work together to build societies that preserve the place of the elderly in both our hearts and minds—societies that guarantee them a dignified life worthy of all they have given, and that care for the preservation of their memory, which is, in truth, the memory of humanity itself. This care must be grounded in clear principles: upholding their dignity, honoring their status, and treating them with kindness and compassion.”

The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, along with the Council’s esteemed members and its Secretary-General, His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his election as Head of the Catholic Church.

In a statement, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders said: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as Head of the Catholic Church. We are confident in continuing the journey of dialogue and fraternity with His Holiness in pursuit of peace, and in working together to promote the values of love, understanding, and mutual acquaintance—for a better world and a future in which all enjoy security, peace, and stability.”

In recent years, the Muslim Council of Elders and the Vatican have collaborated on numerous joint initiatives and efforts, which have had a profound impact in advancing interfaith and intercultural dialogue. These efforts have affirmed the pivotal role of faith leaders in addressing global challenges and culminated in the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019—widely recognized as one of the most important declarations in modern human history.