Pope Francis Joins Muslim Leaders for International Day of Human Fraternity

In order to promote ecumenism among other Christians and the dialogue of Christians with Jews and with other religions and even with non-believers, the Argentine Jesuit installed in the Vatican eight years ago, Pope Francis, has never ceased to multiply dialogues. On May 23, 2016, a first meeting took place at the Vatican, between Pope Francis and the Sunni Grand Imam of the University of Al-Azhar[xvi], Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, 44th Imam of the Al-Azhar Mosque, followed by the Pope’s visit to the Al-Azhar University on April 28, 2017. In December 2020, the Supreme Pontiff published an essay titled "A Time to Change", "Let us dream", in English.

Furthermore, the highlight of the union between two Muslim and Christian leaders is the signing of a founding text on Human Fraternity, on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi. It was for the first time that a pope set foot on the soil of the Arabian Peninsula. The two men made an official declaration for the benefit of peace and human fraternity, thus breaking down the old barriers between religions, nations, cultures and races and condemning bigotry, religious radicalism and the terrorism that flows from it.

This document aimed at world peace is a "reasoned document with sincerity and seriousness to be a common declaration of good and loyal will, intended to invite all people who carry in their heart the faith in God and the faith in human fraternity, to unite and work together".