Al-Azhar mourns a humanitarian giant

Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis describing him as a “distinguished humanitarian and dear friend.”

The Grand Imam’s heartfelt tribute underscores Pope Francis’ remarkable contributions to humanity and his tireless efforts to foster peace and interfaith understanding.

Al-Azhar, based in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious Islamic institutions, serving as both a leading center for Islamic learning and a global authority on Sunni Islamic thought.

Founded in 970 CE, Al-Azhar encompasses Al-Azhar University and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the latter being the religious institution led by the Grand Imam. 

It promotes moderate Islamic teachings, fosters interfaith dialogue, and engages in educational and humanitarian initiatives worldwide. Al-Azhar’s mission includes advancing peace, tolerance, and coexistence, making it a pivotal voice in global religious and cultural discourse.

Tribute to Pope Francis

In his statement, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb praised Pope Francis for his unwavering dedication to humanity, noting that he “dedicated his life to serving humanity, advocating for the oppressed, refugees, and the marginalised.” The Grand Imam highlighted the Pope’s profound commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, which bridged divides between cultures and religions, creating a legacy of unity and mutual respect.

Under Pope Francis’ leadership, the relationship between the Vatican and Al-Azhar saw significant development, marked by mutual respect and collaboration.

A pivotal moment came in 2017 when Pope Francis participated in the Al-Azhar International Peace Conference in Cairo, an event that underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to global peace.

This collaboration culminated in the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019 during the Pope’s visit to the United Arab Emirates. 

Co-signed by Pope Francis and Dr. Al-Tayeb, this landmark document called for peace, tolerance, and cooperation among religions, serving as a blueprint for interfaith harmony and human solidarity.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. Al-Tayeb’s tribute reflects the deep personal and institutional bond forged with Pope Francis, whose compassion and vision left an indelible mark on the world.

The Grand Imam’s words affirm the Pope’s role as a global advocate for the vulnerable and a champion of dialogue, whose efforts continue to inspire efforts toward peace and coexistence.

Al-Azhar, under Dr. Al-Tayeb’s leadership, remains committed to advancing the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity and honoring Pope Francis’ legacy. 

The institution vows to continue promoting tolerance and understanding, ensuring that the Pope’s vision for a more compassionate and united world endures for generations to come.