El-Tayyeb expressed appreciation for the Italian public’s solidarity with Palestinians and their mass demonstrations against the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza.
“We value the Italian people’s principled stance and hope Italy will join the growing list of countries that have officially recognized the State of Palestine — a step toward establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” the Grand Imam said.
He reaffirmed that Al-Azhar remains committed to promoting peace—the core message of Islam—and to countering misconceptions about the faith through dialogue and cooperation with international religious and cultural institutions.
Recalling his 2019 signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with the late Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi, El-Tayyeb said the initiative continues to strengthen interfaith dialogue and efforts to combat racism, extremism, and hate speech.
President Mattarella commended El-Tayyeb's peace advocacy and his close relationship with Pope Francis, describing the Human Fraternity Document as “a landmark in advancing global peace and interreligious dialogue.”
He also praised the Grand Imam’s address at the conference’s opening session as “rich with meaningful messages and practical recommendations for achieving peace.”
Mattarella reaffirmed Italy’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts, under President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s leadership, to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and advance the Middle East peace process, stressing the need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians.
Both sides discussed continued cooperation between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders, and the Catholic Church, particularly initiatives that empower women and engage youth in peacebuilding, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustaining interfaith dialogue and fostering peaceful coexistence.
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