Statement of Fraternity

During the unprecedented and historic visit of Pope Francis in the Arabian Peninsula last week, a Statement of Fraternity was agreed, signed and made public by the Holy Father for the Catholic Church and by Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University in Cairo for the Muslim World. This is equally unprecedented and historic. The papal visit in Abu Dhabi is the first ever by the Roman Pontiff on the predominantly Muslim region.

The Statement is significant and valuable because it declares a joint desire to promote mutual understanding and collaboration towards harmony, unity and peace worldwide through interreligious dialogue.

If it was signed by the Head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Grand Imam of the most prestigious university in Islamic society, then it must be supported by all Catholics and moderate Muslims.