Higher Committee for Human Fraternity: The Impact of Pope Francis' Iraq Visit

The Higher Committee for Human Fraternity hosted the webinar on “A Moment of Human Fraternity: The impact of Pope Francis’ historic Iraq visit” on Thursday.

The event brought together religious and civic leaders from throughout the Middle East to share their insights on the significance of the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Iraq, and offer their thoughts on the next steps in rebuilding Iraq, and how the country can promote stabilization, reconciliation, and hope for a better future.

A wonderful mosaic for human coexistence

The Secretary-General of the Higher Committee, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, opened the webinar, explaining, “We are gathered here today to think together about how we can invest this visit of the Pope and help our brethren in beloved Iraq, a country that constitutes a beautiful social fabric and a wonderful mosaic for human coexistence.”

This beautiful picture, however, has been marred by wars, conflicts and terrorism, which have “left a great wound in the body of Iraq.”

The struggles of Iraq “moved the Holy Father, who could not see the tears of this people without wanting to wipe them away.”

Judge Abdelsalam assured participants that the Higher Committee would “do its best to build on this historic visit of the Holy Father,” adding that he hoped that the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar would also be able to visit Iraq, in order “to complete the picture of Human Fraternity.”

We are all brothers

Among the keynote speakers at the webinar was Cardinal Luis Raphaël I Sako, the Patriarch of Babylon and head of the Chaldean Catholic Church. He expressed his hope that participants would “reach a vision and a work plan to implement what the Pope indicated in his speeches and meetings.”

Cardinal Sako explained that Pope Francis, coming to Iraq in the midst of conflicts, extremism, and the coronavirus pandemic, carried with him a “single influential message”: “We are all brothers in spite of our differences, we must respect our diversity and join hands to build a better society.”

The Patriarch noted that the Pope also pointed out “the only way to walk the path of achieving peace, stability, freedom, and dignity for every human being is to restrain weapons.”

A milestone for interreligious dialogue

The President of the Pontifical Council for Intereligious Dialogue, Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, said, “The entire trip to Iraq was significant. Every moment was marked by gestures and words that leave a mark.” Along with the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi in 2019, the Iraq visit was a “milestone in the path of interreligious dialogue.”

Echoing the Patriarch, Cardinal Ayuso said Pope Francis, “went to Iraq as a pastor to tell Iraqis: You are all brothers.” This is not simply a “theoretical brotherhood,” Cardinal Ayuso explained. Instead, it is a call for everyone “to commit themselves ‘so that God’s dream may come true: that the human family may become hospitable and welcoming toward all of its children, who, looking at the same sky, walk in peace on the same earth.’”

Cardinal Ayuso highlighted the Pope’s courtesy visit to Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani as a “truly important” contribution to building fraternity among Christians and Muslims.

Similarly, the prayer meeting on the Plains of Ur – the home of Abraham, the father of the three great monotheistic religions – “was an opportunity to pray together with believers from other religious traditions … in order to rediscover the reason for coexistence between brothers, so as to rebuild a social fabric beyond factions and ethnicities, and to send a message to the Middle East and to the entire world.” In Ur, he continued, the Pope explained that “true religiosity” is that which “worships God and loves one’s neighbour.”

Rebuilding Iraq

Thursday’s webinar also included the Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, Ernesto Ottone Ramirez who, along with Dominican Father Olivier Poquillon, highlighted UNESCO’s “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative.

Culture ministers from Iraq and the UAE emphasized the common challenges facing the peoples of the region. Representatives of Iraq’s Islamic community – Dr Sayyed Jawad Al-Khoei, the co-founder of the Iraqi Council for Interfaith Dialogue; and Sheich Abdel-Wahab Taha Al-Sammerai, Imam of Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghad – also spoke at the event.

Human Fraternity Day online event highlights need for solidarity

By Vatican News staff writer

The first-ever International Day of Human Fraternity, commemorated on Thursday, was marked with a virtual event which saw the participation of Pope Francis and several other personalities, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi – the host of the online event – the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and other personalities.

One part of the celebration was the presentation of the 2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Moroccan-French activist and founder of the Imad Association for Youth and Peace, Latifah Ibn Ziaten.

Inspired by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognizes individuals who are committed to fostering conditions for peaceful co-existence.

Both Pope Francis and Ahmad Al-Tayyeb signed the Document on Human Fraternity during their historic meeting in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2019. The Document also inspired the creation of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity dedicated to realizing the intentions of the document.

A celebration of peace and fraternity

Explaining the significance of the celebration, Judge Mohammed Abdel Salam, the Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, said that the UN resolution to declare 4 February – the date of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity - as the International Day of Human Fraternity is upheld by Thursday’s celebrations.

He urged young people to dream, to have hope, and to “think about the future with a smile.” He added that we are before the historic Zayed award, to which we all belong and which belongs to us.

Speaking on fraternity and the importance of the Abu Dhabi document, Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, primate of the Anglican Communion, said it is “an inspiring document that points to what we can do together and calls us to act in solidarity for one another.” He added that “it is friendship that matters in changing what we do”, and prayed that we may develop such friendships so that we may work together.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said “the more we see each other from afar, the more we see our differences, but the more we look each other in the eye, the more we see our reflection – our common humanity.”

“Dialogue sparks understanding, understanding inspires tolerance, and tolerance leads to respect.” This virtuous chain, Michel continued, “can make peace and fraternity possible”.

Voices of truth bring hope to people

Addressing both Pope Francis and the Grand Imam, Judge Abdel Salam said the Higher Committee has followed their efforts of service to humanity which inspire hope. He expressed happiness as the world celebrates the first-ever International Day of Human Fraternity.

“Your voice that always speaks the truth brings hope to all people,” he said. “At the same time, it encourages millions around the world to walk the same path. In this regard, those voices are highlighted and their owners appreciated through this global initiative represented by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity."

4 February: an alarm bell for the world

The Grand Imam, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, highlighted that the Document on Human Fraternity calls for cooperation, an end to wars and the promotion of tolerance and harmony.

He expressed hope that the annual celebration of this International Day would be “an alarm bell for the world and its leaders,” urging them to “entrench the principles of human fraternity.”

The Grand Imam went on to reaffirm his resolve to continue working for peace, alongside other proponents for peace, noting that for the Document on Human Fraternity to become lived reality we need determination and the firm belief that “people are all brothers who have the right to live in peace” in spite of the diversity between them.

Fraternity: a new frontier for humanity

Pope Francis stressed the importance of committing to fraternity, because “it is the new frontier of humanity.” He stressed that we are all brothers and sisters and as such, “there is no time for indifference” because we are either brothers and sisters “or everything falls apart.”

Fraternity, the Pope continued, “means an outstretched hand. Fraternity means respect. Fraternity means listening with an open heart. Fraternity means firmness in one’s own convictions” because “there is no true fraternity if one’s convictions are negotiated.

Working for unity despite challenges

In his acceptance speech, Zayed award recipient and UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his gratitude, seeing it also as a recognition of the work of the UN in promoting peace and human dignity in the world.

He highlighted that despite the challenges of the times, including the ongoing pandemic, climate change and other threats from war and conflict, racism, violent extremism and discrimination, the leadership of the Pope and the Grand Imam continue to push humankind to come together in unity, in dialogue, to promote peace and fraternity.

Guterres reiterated the UN’s willingness to assist to amplify efforts towards promoting human unity and global peace.

We must break barriers of hatred

The second 2021 Zayed Award honoree - civil society activist and founder of the Imad Association for Youth and Peace - Latifah Ibn Ziaten also expressed her gratitude for the award.

She noted that the recognition would be of great help in her work of reaching out to many children, protecting them from “falling into hatred.” She added that even though she lost her son, and she carries a deep wound that will never be healed, she is now “a second mother” to so many other children.

“As I say to every child," she added, “if we can break the barriers in our hearts, we’ll find our place in society and we’ll all be brothers. But we must really break these barriers.”

Pope Francis on Human Fraternity: We are all born of the same Father

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis marked the first-ever International Day of Human Fraternity on Thursday, in a virtual event hosted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and other personalities.

During the occasion, the Holy Father, in words prepared for the occasion, expressed his gratitude to those who had contributed to the promotion of fraternity in spite of the challenges.

“Sisters and brothers - that is the word,” the Pope said. “Sisters and brothers to affirm fraternity in a special way to you, my brother, my friend, my companion of challenges and risks in the struggle for fraternity.”

The Pope offered special recognition to the Grand Imam, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, for his testimony and collaboration in writing the document presented two years ago. Pope Francis also expressed his gratitude to the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, for his belief in the project, and Judge Abdel Salam for his active participation in its advancement.

“Thank you all for committing to fraternity,” Pope Francis said, “because today fraternity is the new frontier of humanity. Either we are brothers, or we destroy each other.”

Not a time for indifference

Pope Francis went on to insist that “today, there is no time for indifference” and “we cannot wash our hands” of the present situation with distance, disregard and contempt. He affirmed that we are either brothers and sisters, “or everything falls apart,” adding that this is the frontier on which we have to build - “the challenge of our century and the challenge of our times.”

Fraternity, the Pope continued, “means an outstretched hand. Fraternity means respect. Fraternity means listening with an open heart. Fraternity means firmness in one’s own convictions” because “there is no true fraternity if one’s convictions are negotiated.”

Brothers and sisters despite differences

Pope Francis also emphasized that despite differences in cultures and traditions, we are brothers and sisters, "born of the same Father.” In this regard, fraternity must be built, not by negotiation, but through respect for our different cultures and traditions.

“It is the moment of listening. It is the moment of sincere acceptance. It is the moment of certainty that a world without brothers is a world of enemies,” the Pope said.

He further underscored that “we cannot say we are either brothers or not brothers,” stressing rather that “we are either brothers or enemies” because indifference is “a very subtle form of enmity.”

“We do not need to be at war to be enemies, disregarding each other is enough,” the Pope said, adding that it is time to stop the attitude of looking the other way and ignoring others as if they did not exist.

2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

A part of the celebrations for the International Day of Human Fraternity is the presentation of the 2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Moroccan-French activist, Latifa Ibn Ziaten.

Addressing the UN Secretary-General, Pope Francis congratulated him for the award and expressed gratitude for his efforts towards promoting peace “that will only be achieved with a fraternal heart.”

Directing his attention towards the second 2021 Zayed Award honoree, Latifa Ibn Ziaten, the Pope acknowledged her inspiring testimony of painfully losing a child yet channeling her pain towards fostering love and fraternity.

“Yes, sister, your words are not hearsay or a conventional ‘we are all brothers’: they are a conviction. A conviction embodied in pain, in your wounds,” the Pope said.

“Thank you for your testimony," said Pope Francis. "And thank you for being the mother of your son, of so many boys and girls, for being the mother today of this humanity that is listening to you and learns from you: either the path of fraternity, of brotherhood, or we lose everything.”

The Pope of Rome, the Grand Imam of Cairo, and the official World Day of Fraternity

4 February has entered the world’s calendar of significant commemorations.

On that day in 2019, during his apostolic journey to the United Arab Emirates, Pope Francis co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together along with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (Cairo), Ahmad Al-Tayyeb. This Document raises the great themes which, 20 months later, would be taken up and developed in the Encyclical Fratelli tutti.

The unprecedented encounter in Abu Dhabi soon inspired the creation of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. The members, an international group of religious and cultural leaders and scholars, are dedicated to sharing the Document’s message of mutual understanding leading to peace. The Committee plans to establish an Abrahamic Family House with a synagogue, a church and a mosque facing each other around a commons on Saadiyat Island in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

On 21 December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly designated 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity. In the January 2021 edition of the Pope Video, titled “At the service of human fraternity,” the Holy Father highlights the importance of focusing on what is essential to the beliefs of all religions: worship of God and love of neighbour. “Fraternity leads us to open ourselves to the Father of all and to see in the other a brother, a sister, to share life, or to support one another, to love, to know.”

The Holy See’s planning for this inaugural International Day of Human Fraternity has taken place under the leadership of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The Council was created in 1964 by Pope Paul VI to work on relations and dialogue between the Catholic Church and the faithful of other religions. It holds interreligious meetings, publishes a variety of materials, and collaborates with bishops and episcopal conferences on matters related to interreligious dialogue. Here is the first IDHF video in various languages.

Today, 4 February, Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb are participating virtually in an event hosted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with the participation of United Nations Secretary-General António Guteres and other personalities. The event is being broadcast on Vatican News at 8:30 a.m. (EST).

Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, MCCJ, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, says the celebration “responds to a clear call that Pope Francis has been making to all humanity to build a present of peace in the encounter with the other.” He adds that “in October 2020, that invitation became even more vivid with the Encyclical Fratelli tutti” and comments that “these meetings are a way to achieve true social friendship, as the Holy Father asks of us.”

Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, secretary general of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity agrees with this perspective. In his presentation at the conference launching Fratelli tutti, he remarked that “In this decisive phase of human history, we are at a crossroads: on the one hand, universal fraternity in which humanity rejoices, and on the other, an acute misery that will increase the suffering and deprivation of people.”

In the future, starting in 2022, with the experience of this first celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity and with more time to prepare, the local Churches will be encouraged and helped to participate actively with intercultural and interreligious events marking this date.

At yesterday’s weekly audience, Pope Francis said: "I am very pleased that the nations of the entire world are joining in this celebration, aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue… The U.N. resolution recognizes 'the contribution that dialogue among all religious groups can make towards an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind.' May this be our prayer today and our commitment every day of the year."

3 February 2021

Appeal by the Holy Father

At the end of the general audience, Pope Francis made the following appeal:

Tomorrow marks the First International Day of Human Fraternity, established by a recent Resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. This initiative also takes note of the meeting on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, when the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyib and I signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. I am very pleased that the nations of the entire world are joining in this celebration, aimed at promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Tomorrow afternoon, I will take part in a virtual meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, with the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, and other leaders. The UN Resolution recognizes “the contribution that dialogue among all religious groups can make towards an improved awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind”. May this be our prayer today and our commitment every day of the year. Translation from Italian [00150-EN.01]  

Traduzione in lingua francese 

Demain sera célébrée la Première Journée Internationale de la Fraternité Humaine, comme l’a établi une récente Résolution de l’Assemblée Générale des Nations Unies. Cette initiative tient compte aussi de la rencontre du 4 février 2019 à Abu Dhabi, lorsque moi-même et le Grand Imam d’Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, nous avons signé le Document sur la fraternité humaine pour la paix mondiale et la coexistence commune. Je suis très heureux que les Nations du monde entier s’unissent dans cette célébration, visant à promouvoir le dialogue interreligieux et interculturel. C’est pourquoi demain après-midi je participerai à une rencontre virtuelle avec le Grand Imam d’Al-Azhar, avec le Secrétaire Général des Nations Unies, Monsieur António Guterres, et avec d’autres personnalités. La Résolution susmentionnée de l’ONU reconnaît « la contribution que le dialogue entre tous les groupes religieux peut apporter pour améliorer la conscience et la compréhension des valeurs communes partagées par toute l’humanité ». Que ce soit aujourd’hui notre prière et que ce soit notre engagement chaque jour de l’année.

lingua italiano (original)
Domani si celebrerà la Prima Giornata Internazionale della Fratellanza Umana, come stabilito da una recente Risoluzione dell’Assemblea Generale delle Nazioni Unite. Tale iniziativa tiene conto anche dell’incontro del 4 febbraio 2019 ad Abu Dhabi, quando io e il Grande Imam di Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, abbiamo firmato il Documento sulla Fratellanza Umana per la pace mondiale e la convivenza comune. Sono molto lieto che le Nazioni del mondo intero si uniscano in questa celebrazione, volta a promuovere il dialogo interreligioso e interculturale. Perciò domani pomeriggio parteciperò a un incontro virtuale con il Grande Imam di Al-Azhar, con il Segretario Generale delle Nazioni Unite, Signor António Guterres, e con altre personalità. La citata Risoluzione dell’ONU riconosce «il contributo che il dialogo tra tutti i gruppi religiosi può apportare per migliorare la consapevolezza e la comprensione dei valori comuni condivisi da tutta l’umanità». Che questa sia oggi la nostra preghiera e che sia il nostro impegno ogni giorno dell’anno.  

Traduzione in lingua spagnola 
Mañana se celebrará la Primera Jornada Internacional de la Fraternidad Humana, que estableció recientemente una Resolución de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas. Esta iniciativa también tiene en cuenta el encuentro del 4 de febrero de 2019 en Abu Dhabi, cuando el Gran Imán de Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, y yo firmamos el Documento sobre la Fraternidad humana para la paz mundial y la convivencia común. Me complace mucho que las naciones de todo el mundo se unan a esta celebración, destinada a promover el diálogo interreligioso e intercultural. Por ello, mañana por la tarde participaré en un encuentro virtual con el Gran Imán de Al-Azhar, con el Secretario General de las Naciones Unidas, Sr. António Guterres, y con otras personalidades. La citada Resolución de la ONU reconoce «la contribución que el diálogo entre todos los grupos religiosos puede aportar para que se conozcan y se comprendan mejor los valores comunes compartidos por toda la humanidad». Que esta sea nuestra oración hoy y nuestro compromiso durante todos los días del año.

Traduzione in lingua portoghese 
Celebra-se amanhã o primeiro Dia Internacional da Fraternidade Humana, como estabelecido numa recente Resolução da Assembleia Geral das Nações Unidas. Esta iniciativa teve em conta também o encontro de 4 de fevereiro de 2019, em Abu Dhabi, quando eu e o Grande Imã de Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, assinamos o Documento sobre a Fraternidade Humana em prol da paz mundial e da convivência comum. Muito me alegra ver as nações do mundo inteiro unidas nesta celebração, que visa promover o diálogo inter-religioso e intercultural. Por isso, amanhã de tarde, tomarei parte num encontro virtual com o Grande Imã de Al-Azhar, o Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas, António Guterres, e outras personalidades. A referida Resolução da ONU reconhece «a contribuição que o diálogo entre todos os grupos religiosos pode prestar para melhorar a consciência e a compreensão dos valores comuns partilhados por toda a humanidade». Por esta intenção, seja a nossa oração de hoje e o nosso compromisso de todos os dias do ano.

[VIDEO_5]

Pope Francis on Thursday, 4 February, will celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity in a virtual event organized by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

The event will be hosted in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and will see the participation of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, and the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, along with other international leaders.

On the same occasion, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, will be awarded.

The meeting and the award ceremony will be broadcast in several languages starting at 14:30 PM (Rome time), or 13:30 (GMT time), by Vatican News, the multimedia information portal of the Holy See, and broadcast by Vatican Media.

New website on Human Fraternity Day

So, you may be wondering: “Why are we celebrating the International Day of Human Fraternity?”

A new website explains in detail key points to understand the meaning of this day.

Through audiovisual material composed of articles, images and videos, anyone interested can browse and better understand the purpose of this global initiative.

The website is currently available in English and Italian.

Winners of 2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity announced

On Thursday, 4 February, the world celebrates the first International Day of Human Fraternity. Part of the these celebrations is the awarding of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.

The recipients of the Award were announced on Wednesday via a virtual press conference. These winners were selected by an independent jury and came from a pool of persons from 30 countries who had been nominated by leaders in the areas of government, culture and religion.

About the Recipients

Presenting the winners of the 2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, the Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, said, “This independent, global award was conceived to encourage and recognize those who inspire us all to play our part in creating a more understanding, inclusive and peaceful world. By examining the work and impact of both 2021 honorees, it is clear that they are both role models for the next generation, world leaders, and all those engaged in similarly noble pursuits for peace.”

António Guterres, a politician originally from Portugal who now serves as the ninth Secretary-general of the United Nations. During the last year in which the entire world has been engulfed in the Coronavirus pandemic, Guterres raised his voice on several occasions appealing for a “global ceasefire in all corners of the world to focus together on the true fight – defeating Covid-19”. On receiving news about the award, Mr Guterres said, “It is with humility and deep gratitude that I feel honored to receive the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. I see it also as recognition of the work the United Nation is doing every day, everywhere, to promote peace and human dignity."

Mr Guterres tweeted after the announcement: "My gratitude to the Higher Committee of @HumanFraternity for this recognition, which I’m honoured to receive with @LatifaIbnZ, an advocate for inter-religious dialogue. I accept this award on behalf of my @UN colleagues who work every day to advance peace & human dignity..... I am proud to share that I will donate the monetary prize associated with this award to the UN @Refugees agency, in support of its invaluable work for the most vulnerable." 

Latifah Ibn Ziaten, Founder of the Imad Association for Youth and Peace. Latifah is originally from Morocco and is the mother of five children. In 1977 she relocated to France when she was seventeen. One of her sons, Imad, joined France’s 1st Paratroop Regiment. Imad was murdered near Toulouse in 2012. She later sought out her son’s murderer, Mohammed Merah so as to understand what had led him to commit murder. That meeting allowed her to enter into the world of a young person who felt abandoned, and who had never succeeded in integrating to society at large. Since founding the Imad Association for Youth and Peace, Latifah travels throughout France to tell her story, the meet with young people. Her hope is to contribute to preserving “social harmony” between the older and young generations, and among both persons native to France, and migrants.

On receiving news about the award, Latifah Ibn Ziaten said, "It is a great honor, and indeed humbling, to have been recognized by the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for the work I and many others do, each day, in addressing extremism though dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful co-existence. Most importantly, I hope this award helps raise awareness among a wider audience about the need to continue these efforts."

Both Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar will jointly present the award during the virtual ceremony on Thursday. The meeting and the award ceremony will be streamed in several languages starting at 14:30 (Rome time) - 13.30 (GMT time) - by Vatican News, the multimedia information portal of the Holy See, and broadcast by Vatican Media.

About the Award

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was inspired by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Head of Muslim Council of Elders in the UAE on 4 February 2019. Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Head of Muslim Council of Elders, were the first recipients of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in 2019.

It was later revealed that Pope Francis donated the full amount of the award to the Rohingya people from Myanmar. During the first anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, Sheik Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity would become an annual event.

The award recognizes above all those who build bridges connecting divided peoples, strengthening the real human relationships that make possible the work of ensuring freedom and safety for all. In addition, the Zayed Award honors the values of the Founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed, who lived a life of peaceful coexistence.

The award is given as part of the International Day of Human Fraternity, which the United Nations General Assembly declared in recognition of the ongoing efforts of leaders and religious figures cooperating to promote peace, harmony and intercultural dialogue in the world.

News Release - 2 February 2021

Pope to participate in first International Day of Human Fraternity

The Holy Father will mark the International Day of Human Fraternity in a virtual meeting on 4 February, the date set by the United Nations General Assembly for this new annual occasion. He will do so together with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb. The event will be hosted in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed.

Vatican Media

Pope Francis will celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity on Thursday, 4 February, in a virtual event hosted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, with the participation of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb; Secretary General António Guterres of the United Nations; and other personalities.

On the same occasion, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which is inspired by the Human Fraternity Document, will be awarded. The meeting and the award ceremony will be streamed in several languages starting at 14:30 (Rome time) - 13.30 (GMT time) - by Vatican News, the multimedia information portal of the Holy See, and broadcast by Vatican Media.

"This celebration responds to a clear call that Pope Francis has been making to all humanity to build a present of peace in the encounter with the other," stressed Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot MCCJ, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. "In October 2020, that invitation became even more vivid with the Encyclical Fratelli tutti. These meetings are a way to achieve true social friendship, as the Holy Father asks of us," he added.

The date is no coincidence. On 4 February 2019, during an Apostolic Journey the Pope made to the United Arab Emirates, together with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar (Cairo), Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, they signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. The Pope and the Grand Imam spent almost half a year drafting this Document before announcing it together during such a historic visit.

A few months later, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity was established to translate the aspirations of the Human Fraternity Document into sustained engagements and concrete actions to foster fraternity, solidarity, respect and mutual understanding. The Higher Committee is planning an Abrahamic Family House, with a synagogue, a church and a mosque, on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. It established an independent jury to receive nominations for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity and choose winners whose work demonstrates a lifelong commitment to human fraternity. The 2021 prize will be awarded on 4 February.
            On 21 December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 4 February as International Day of Human Fraternity. "In this decisive phase of human history, we are at a crossroads: on the one hand, universal fraternity in which humanity rejoices, and on the other, an acute misery that will increase the suffering and deprivation of people," Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, secretary general of the High Committee of Human Fraternity, underlined during his presentation of the encyclical Fratelli tutti on 4 October 2020.

     Pope Francis has encouraged the Holy See to join in the celebration of International Human Fraternity Day under the leadership of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. In the January edition of the Pope's Video, “At the service of human fraternity,” the Holy Father highlights the importance of focusing on what is essential to the faith of all faiths: worship of God and love of neighbour. "Fraternity leads us to open ourselves to the Father of all and to see in the other a brother, a sister, to share life, or to support one another, to love, to know," Pope Francis emphasises in the video.

About the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue

The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue was instituted in 1964 by Pope Paul VI with the aim of working on relations and dialogue between the Catholic Church and the faithful of other religions. It is currently chaired by Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot.

Among its main activities, it collaborates with bishops and Episcopal Conferences on matters related to interreligious dialogue; it holds meetings, visits and conferences with leaders of other religions; and it publishes various materials to promote dialogue between different faiths.

About the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is made up of different international religious leaders, scholars and cultural leaders who were inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity and are dedicated to sharing its message of mutual understanding and peace.

Their main work is to act concretely according to the aspirations of the Document on Human Fraternity and to spread the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam.