The Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh Al-Azhar, who is also Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, was hosted by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, in Rome on Monday, 27 October 2025. This visit took place whilst the Grand Imam was in Italy attending the international conference titled ‘Daring Peace’.
During the visit, the Grand Imam affirmed that Al-Azhar was deeply committed to promoting peace, which lies at the heart of Islam’s message, and in presenting the true and compassionate image of this noble faith. He recalled the efforts taken to engage in dialogue and openness with religious and cultural institutions worldwide and how those efforts culminated in the co-signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with the late Pope Francis of the Vatican.
President Sergio Mattarella expressed his appreciation for the Grand Imam’s efforts in spreading the values of peace and human fraternity. The President also commended the Grand Imam’s address at the opening session of the Daring Peace conference held earlier in Rome, noting that it contained vital recommendations, particularly the call for everyone to realise that achieving peace is a noble goal that outweighs any one side’s desire for victory over another.
During the meeting, the Grand Imam highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the dialogue between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Catholic Church, particularly in initiatives aimed at empowering women and preparing youth to participate in peacebuilding. He affirmed that these relations have strengthened acceptance of others and enhanced positive coexistence in many societies, expressing his hope to continue these joint efforts with Pope Leo XIV in the service of global peace.
