Holy See: Pope Confers Pontifical Honour on Former Azhar Councillor

By: Yassmine ElSayed

CAIRO, Feb. 3 (SEE) - Pope Francis has conferred the 'Commenda con Placca dell’Ordine Piano' upon Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, former councillor of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in gratitude for his work in strengthening relations between Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church.

The announcement came in an official statement released today by Holy See Press Office, hailing the work of Dr. Abdel Salam, and noting that "This honour will be conferred on Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam on 26 March in Vatican City”.

The announcement came on the eve of a landmark visit for the pope to the United Arab Emirates, where he is scheduled to meet with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb in 'Human Fraternity Conference organized in Abu Dhabi.