Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad meets Pope Leo XIV

Maulana Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad, Chairman of Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and Khateeb of Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque, represented Pakistan at the International Interfaith Peace Conference held in Rome, organized by the Sant’Egidio Society.

The conference, themed “Christian-Muslim dialogue and bold peace”, brought together over 300 international delegates and more than 1,000 religious leaders from around the world to promote dialogue, coexistence and global peace.

The event coincided with the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate — The Vatican’s landmark statement redefining the Church’s relationship with non-Christian faiths. The anniversary was marked by a solemn celebration in the Vatican on 28-29 October, where His Holiness Pope Leo XIV presided as chief guest and led a peace walk at Rome’s Coliseum.

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During his meeting with the Pope, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad presented the great narrative and message of Pakistan, which Pope Leo appreciated. He also extended an invitation to the Pope to visit his homeland, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and peace.

“Interfaith harmony is the need of the hour and through dialogue we can lead the world towards peace,” Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad said, stressing the importance of stopping violent behavior and promoting respect for humanity.

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Pope Leo XIV thanked the visiting dignitaries and reiterated the need to expand interfaith dialogue globally, reflecting on the lasting impact of Nostra Aetate.

“Sixty years ago, with Nostra Aetate, the seed of hope for interreligious dialogue was planted. Today, this seed has grown into a powerful tree bearing abundant fruit of understanding, friendship, cooperation and peace,” he said.

The Vatican gathering ended with a ceremony for peace at the Colosseum attended by religious leaders and scholars from around the world. In his closing remarks, Pope Leo called for unity and compassion, declaring: “Enough of war – with all the pain it causes through death, destruction and exile”.