Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Italy’s PM discuss anti-terrorism readiness

CAIRO – 8 November 2017: Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayyeb, asserted the readiness to support Italy in combating terrorism by offering correction for extremist and false thoughts in different languages.

In his meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers headquarter in Rome, el-Tayyeb discussed means of coordinating efforts between Al-Azhar and Italy to spread culture of coexistence and peace and to denounce violence and islamophobia.

Al-Tayyeb clarified that Egypt sacrifices its Army personnel for the sake of fighting extremism, highlighting Al-Azhar’s strong determination to uproot it.

“We are keen on achieving peace for all people through working with Pope Francis of the Vatican on humanitarian issues, as we find a great common compromise in our viewpoints and we agreed upon implementing joint work plans”, el-Tayyeb said.

For his part, Gentiloni expressed his recognition for the great role played by the Grand Imam in combating terrorism and spreading culture of dialogue within religions in order to enhance Islam.

He also praised strong cooperative relation between the Sheikh el-Tayyeb and the Pope Francis, especially on cherishing issues related to weak, poor, and needy people.

The grand imam is currently paying a visit to Rome to attend a conference organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio.


On 7 November the Grand Imam of Al Azhar held a meeting with Pope Francis of the Vatican at the papal headquarters in the Vatican.

A statement issued by Al Azhar said the meeting dealt with common issues between Al Azhar and the Vatican for supporting international peace.

The meeting marked the second trip to the Vatican in two years by Egypt's top Muslim leader. His first meeting with the pope in May 2016 marked an important step forward after five years of suspended dialogue between the Vatican and Al-Azhar.