Yesterday, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, received Mr. Yahya Rashed, the minister of Tourism, and a delegation from the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, the Institution responsible for the pilgrimage files in the Vatican.
The Grand Imam sent thanks to His Holiness Pope Francis in the Vatican for the message of affection and love between the heavenly religions and people. He also thanked the Minister of Tourism for having adopted the file of reviving the journey of the Holy Family as a global shrine for Christians and Muslims.
Al Tayeb confirmed his pride for belonging to the country that was a shelter to Jesus and his mother Mary. He added that the land of Egypt has been blessed and preserved because of the prophets of God who passed through it. The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar invited the delegation to visit Luxor, pointing out the religious foundation inherent in Pharaonic civilizations.
For his part, the Minister of Tourism thanked The Grand Imam for receiving the delegation; The Minister also thanked the delegation for the friendly visit, which encapsulates the humanitarian meaning of love and peace.
The head of the delegation, Monsignor Remo Chiavarini, expressed his happiness at the reception of the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar. He said that they know Egypt’s importance to the world and the importance of Al-Azhar to the Muslim world. “We know your great wisdom in dealing with issues for peace and love.”
The head of the delegation pointed out that the world is facing difficult moments, but there are people like the Grand Imam who bear great responsibilities and this gives the world hope.
He also said that the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi would continue to be responsible for organising pilgrimages from Italy and Europe to Egypt.
He finally stressed against ignorant views that Muslims are terrorists, and that Christians are oppressed in the East. He said terrorism has no religion and stressed that the free world that seeks peace must unite against this devastating cancer, because its absurdity does not solely come from of the Arab world or the southern Mediterranean but from the whole world.
