Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - On February 20 Cardinal Paul Poupard visited Sheikh Mohamed Sayyed Tantawi, Grand Imam of al-Azhar al-Sharif, in Cairo.The Holy See Press Office released the following communique: "Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, president of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims, and president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, was received in Cairo, Egypt, today by Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi, Grand Imam of al-Azhar. "Welcomed in an atmosphere of great cordiality, Cardinal Poupard relayed to Sheikh Tantawi the greetings of His Holiness Benedict XVI, and the Pope's invitation to meet him in Rome, an invitation that was accepted with satisfaction. "The meeting of the two men provided an opportunity to evaluate the work of the 'Joint Dialogue Commission' comprised of members of the 'Al-Azhar Permanent Committee for Dialogue with Monotheistic Religions' and of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue. The commission meets on February 24 every year - alternately in Cairo and Rome - in memory of Pope John Paul II's visit to al-Azhar on February 24, 2000. The two also discussed other aspects of relations between Christians and Muslims. "Cardinal Poupard will also meet Hamdi Zaqzuq, the government minister for religion.". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2007; Righe 15, Parole 205)
