Egyptian judge Mohamed Abdel-Salam, a former advisor to the grand imam of Al-Azhar, received the Commenda con Placca dell’Ordine di Pio IX, or Knight Commander with Star of the Order of Pius IX, at the Vatican on Friday, Al-Azhar announced.

According to the statement, Abdel-Salam was honoured for his for his efforts at promoting interreligious dialogue and the relationship between Al-Azhar, and the Roman Catholic Church during his work as an adviser to Grand Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb.

Abdel-Salam received the honour at a ceremony in Vatican City from the Substitute for General Affairs, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra.

Abdel-Salam received the honour at a ceremony in Vatican City from the Substitute for General Affairs, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra.

After the honouring ceremony, Pope Francis met with Abdel-Salam.

According to Al-Azhar,  the world's leading Sunni Islamic institution, Abdel-Salam is the first Arab Muslim to receive the honour.

A delegation from Al-Azhar attended the ceremony.