The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar discusses the situations in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan with Pope Leo XIV.

May 15, 2025 (PEN) - Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election as head of the Catholic Church, stressing the importance of continuing the path of dialogue and human fraternity and promoting the values of coexistence and global peace. This came during a phone call between the two, according to a tweet posted by el-Tayeb on the X platform.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar explained that he discussed with the new Pope the need to work to end the wars and conflicts currently taking place in the world, specifically highlighting the situation in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, while emphasizing support for the rights of the poor, the weak, and the oppressed worldwide.

On May 8, 2025, the Vatican announced the election of Pope Leo XIV to succeed Pope Francis, who died last April after a long illness.