Al-Azhar Alumni UK – the UK branch of the World Organization for Al-Azhar Graduates – joins the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar, in expressing deep condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday.
Pope Francis dedicated his life to the service of humanity, consistently championing the rights of the vulnerable and fostering dialogue among religions and cultures. Under his leadership, relations between Al-Azhar and the Vatican flourished. This began with his participation in the Al-Azhar International Conference for Peace in Cairo in 2017, and continued with the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in 2019. This ground-breaking initiative was a testament to the mutual sincerity and perseverance of both sides, despite the challenges faced.
The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb, stated: “He was a true friend to Muslims, sincere in his pursuit of peace. It is remembered with deep respect that among his final statements was a powerful defence of Palestine and the oppressed people of Gaza. His tireless efforts significantly advanced Muslim-Christian dialogue, culminating in our signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity in 2019.”
The 2017 Al-Azhar International Conference for Peace was also attended by Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, President of Al-Azhar Alumni UK. At the event, Pope Francis strongly condemned violence in the name of religion and called for an end to the flow of weapons and money to militants, declaring: “Only by bringing into the light of day the murky manoeuvrings that feed the cancer of war can its real causes be prevented.”
Reflecting on the conference, Bakhtyar Pirzada commented: “The world of Islamic scholarship and leadership stands tall in expressing the genuineness of Islam’s inherent message of peace and moderation. With the visit and embrace of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the message of peaceful coexistence, shared humanity, and dignity was sent loud and clear to the world.”
