Pope’s remarks came during an audience at the Vatican granted to Dr Khalid Ghanem Al Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee, who was invited by the Pontiff to discuss ongoing initiatives inspired by the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity….reports Asian Lite News
Pope Leo XIV has hailed the United Arab Emirates as a global model for coexistence and human fraternity, reaffirming the Vatican’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity as both sides work to advance dialogue, compassion and peace at a time of mounting global division. His remarks came during an audience at the Vatican granted to Dr Khalid Ghanem Al Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee, who was invited by the Pontiff to discuss ongoing initiatives inspired by the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity.
Dr Al Ghaith conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and senior UAE leaders, praising the longstanding partnership between the Holy See and the UAE built around shared values of dignity, solidarity and mutual respect. Pope Leo XIV responded with deep appreciation for the UAE’s leadership and its efforts to champion dialogue across cultures and faiths, singling out the Abu Dhabi Document as a defining contribution to global interfaith engagement.
The Secretary-General briefed the Pope on recent global initiatives undertaken by the Higher Committee, including peace-building programmes, youth engagement, and projects dedicated to promoting tolerance and coexistence in regions prone to conflict. He also outlined upcoming plans designed to amplify the message of human fraternity as articulated in the landmark document signed in the UAE. The Pope expressed particular interest in taking part personally in several of these initiatives, emphasising that such efforts are urgently needed in a world facing deepening political and societal fractures.
Al Ghaith updated the Pope on global peace, youth and tolerance initiatives, outlined new plans to advance human fraternity, and received the Pope’s interest in personally supporting these urgently needed efforts.
Both sides discussed new areas of cooperation, agreeing that joint action is essential to uphold human dignity, counter extremism, and build cohesive, compassionate societies. The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to explore expanded collaboration in the coming period, with Dr Al Ghaith expressing gratitude for the Pope’s ongoing support and encouragement.
The momentum behind interfaith cooperation was echoed in Rome last month, where His Eminence Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on the sidelines of the International Meeting for Peace, held this year under the theme “Daring Peace”.
Dr Al-Tayeb underscored Al-Azhar’s unwavering mission to promote peace as a central principle of Islam and to present the true humanitarian and compassionate nature of the faith. He recalled that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed with the late Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019, had laid a foundation for a new era of interreligious and intercultural engagement anchored in mutual understanding and empathy.
The Grand Imam said the document had borne tangible fruit around the world, helping bridge divides and strengthen efforts to confront racism, extremism and hatred. He expressed appreciation for the Italian people’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, stressing that the future depends on fair-minded individuals and younger generations working to uphold human dignity irrespective of race, creed or nationality.
President Mattarella praised Dr Al-Tayeb’s longstanding commitment to peace and human fraternity, as well as his close relationship with the late Pope Francis. He described the Document on Human Fraternity as a milestone for global peace and dialogue, saying that contemporary realities had demonstrated how urgently its principles are needed. He also commended the Grand Imam’s keynote address at the International Meeting for Peace, highlighting its call for a renewed belief in peace as a shared, noble objective that rises above notions of victory or defeat.
The President emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between Pope Leo XIV and the Grand Imam, arguing that their joint leadership offers a powerful model of coexistence and acceptance for younger generations. He voiced strong support for the Middle East peace agreement hosted recently in Sharm El-Sheikh and praised Egypt’s efforts, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to ease the suffering in Gaza and push for a sustainable resolution.
Dr Al-Tayeb highlighted the progress achieved through sustained dialogue between Al-Azhar, the Muslim Council of Elders and the Catholic Church. Among the key outcomes, he noted, were programmes empowering women, preparing young people for peacebuilding roles, and fostering a culture of tolerance in communities worldwide. He expressed hope that cooperation with Pope Leo XIV would continue to expand, strengthening global efforts to build a more harmonious and peaceful world.
