His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Mr. Yahya Rashid, Minister of Tourism, accompanied by the delegation of the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi Foundation (ORP) responsible for the Vatican pilgrimages. The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for His Holiness Pope Francis’ message of peace and the love to Egypt and Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif through the Vatican delegation. He added that Egypt is proud being a shelter to Jesus (pbuh) and of having always been the destination of the prophets. Hence, the Grand Imam noted, it is now opening its doors to all the followers of religions from all over the world.

For their part, the Vatican delegation expressed their pleasure to be at the greatest and most important Islamic institution in the world. They also expressed their appreciation for the person of the Grand Imam and his great wisdom in dealing with various issues and in serving peace and love around the world. They stressed that the Grand Imam and Pope Francis bear a great responsibility in consolidating world peace and that they are up to this responsibility.

For his part, Mr. Yahya Rashid stated that Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, as a model of moderation, tolerance and acceptance of difference, has made Egypt a global destination and presented a message to the world that Egypt is safe and ready to receive everyone. He added that this is manifested in Al-Azhar dialogue with religious leaders, especially through the relationship between the Grand Imam and the Pope of the Vatican, which prompted the Pope to visit Al-Azhar and attend Al-Azhar International Peace Conference.