Yesterday, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb and Pope Francis, Pope of the Catholic Church, held a special meeting at the headquarters of the Holy See, following their participation in Faith and Science: Towards COP26 summit. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed pressing religious, humanitarian and moral issues as well as the challenges imposed by universal changes and events. They also discussed the genuine role of religious leaders and scholars in eliminating conflicts and divisions that have spread worldwide and how they can counter extremist ideologies based on misinterpretations of the heavenly messages.

The Grand Imam and the Pope of the Vatican expressed their keenness to resume constructive dialogue and cooperation towards solidarity and fraternity, which has resulted in the historic Human Fraternity Document cosigned in Abu Dhabi in 2019. This document promotes human fraternity. Both leaders noted that the numerous challenges require strength and determination to endure hardships, and that following the teachings of religions is the only way to deliver the world from extremism, division and overwhelming materialism. The Grand Imam and His Holiness Pope Francis applauded the efforts and initiatives of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity towards establishing the values of the Human Fraternity Document for peaceful coexistence among the human beings.

Today, in partnership with the embassies of Britain and Italy to the Vatican, the Vatican hosted the activities of the Religious Leaders Summit for Climate Change entitled Faith and Science, with the participation of religious leaders and scholars from around the world, with the aim of sending a joint appeal to the participants in the UN COP26, to be held from November 1-12 in Glasgow, Scotland. It came in expression of their concerns and desires for assuming greater responsibility towards the planet and standing in solidarity to reduce the negative effects of climate change on the environment and maintain the sustainability of its resources.