The proposal is in a message signed by Francis and Al-Tayeb delivered yesterday to the UN General Secretary who expressed his appreciation and support for the initiative.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb have asked UN Secretary General António Guterres to declare 4 February World Day of Human Fraternity, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue reports.
The request was made by members of a High Committee set up for to put into effect the Document on Human Fraternity for world peace signed by Francis and Ahmed Al-Tayyeb on February 4 2019 (pictured) during the Pope's trip to the Arab Emirates.
In addition, the request calls on the United Nations to participate, together with the Holy See and Al-Azhar, in the organisation, in the near future, of a World Summit on Human Fraternity.
Mr Guterres expressed appreciation and openness to initiative, stressing the importance of working in the service of the whole of humanity.
The Secretary General also appointed Adama Dieng, his Special Adviser on Hate Speech and the Prevention of Genocide, as the UN representative to follow the proposed activities and work with the Committee.