Following the International Conference “Human Fraternity” in Abu Dhabi, which ended up with the important document on “Human Fraternity for global peace and common cohabitation” signed alongside Pope Francis, Al Azhar Sheykh Ahmed Al Tayyeb wrote a letter to Andrea Riccardi highlighting the importance of the well-established dialogue-and-fraternity-based relationship with the Community of Sant’Egidio. In his letter, Al Tayyeb expresses his joy and gratitude for the “loyal friendship” and “dedication in strengthening the bonds of fraternity which prepared the ground for the realization of the document on Human fraternity in Abu Dhabi.”
The Community of Sant’Egidio expresses their gratitude for this letter and for a friendship which has lasted for about 10 years, in which many opportunities for encounter and dialogue have arisen, as well as highly significant moments such as the participation to the International Meetings of Prayer for Peace and the visit to the area in Paris where the Bataclan attacks took place.
Please find below the full translation of the letter.
Cairo, 20th February 2019
My dear brother, Professor Andrea Riccardi,
I warmly greet to you.
On the occasion of the visit of father Vittorio and of our sister Professor Paola Pizzo, I wish to extend my most heartfelt greetings to you and those who work with you in the Community of Sant’Egidio.
I wish to felicitate for your loyal friendship and sincere fraternity with which you have overwhelmed us along the past few years as we have been blessed to know you.
Similarly, we appreciate your dedication in strengthening the bonds of fraternity which prepared the ground for the realization of the document on Human fraternity in Abu Dhabi.
I ask God that he may allow us to help each other to fulfil the path of encounter, dialogue and mutual relationship in order to open ample horizons under the shadow of our firm friendship.
I plead with you not to forget us in your prayers.
Ahmed al-Tayyeb
Sheykh of al-Azhar
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