Prof. Ahmad at-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, received Louis Raphaël I Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholics and Head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and worldwide, and his accompanying delegation at al-Azhar.
During their meeting, the Grand Imam stressed al-Azhar’s keenness to continue the Muslims-Christians dialogue as well as tracking the thoughts and ideas that may confuse societies, especially the relations between Muslims and Christians as well as targeting the relations between the followers of the different faiths. The Grand Imam pointed out as well that al-Azhar has taken the initiative to reject the term “Minorities”, but rather used the term “Citizenship” and what follows it in terms of equality in rights, duties, and social responsibility. The Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholics in Iraq expressed his pleasure to meet the Grand Imam, stressing that Muslims and Christians in Iraq are eagerly awaiting His Eminence’s visit to Iraq. He added that he, personally, follows up on the movements of the Grand Imam to spread the culture of peaceful coexistence among all peoples. He stressed that the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis, is a roadmap for the relationship between Muslims and Christians.
