Vatican City: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL), met with Pope Francis in Vatican City to discuss avenues for mutual cooperation and shared global interests.
The high-profile meeting underscored efforts to strengthen interfaith dialogue and foster understanding between Muslim and Catholic communities.
During his visit to Italy, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna, recognizing his significant contributions to promoting peace, advancing the goals of the UN Charter, and reducing cultural tensions worldwide.
The prestigious ceremony was attended by the university’s president, the law faculty’s dean, and prominent academics and religious leaders from Islamic and Catholic communities. Dr. Al-Issa highlighted that the award reflects core Islamic values, which emphasize peace, coexistence, and mutual respect.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Dr. Al-Issa also launched the Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award at the Catholic University of Milan. High-ranking Vatican officials attended the event, signaling a new chapter in educational and cultural collaboration.
Islamic leaders hailed the award as a vital step in promoting the Arabic language and Islamic studies across Europe, fostering greater understanding and clarifying Islamic principles within Christian communities.
The categories of the award are designed to showcase the richness of Islamic heritage and the significance of the Arabic language, further bridging cultural divides and encouraging harmonious coexistence.
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