Judge Mohamed Abdel-Salam meets Pope Francis (Photo courtesy of Al-Azhar)
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.
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