Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad meets Pope Leo XIV

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

The conference, titled “Christian-Muslim Dialogue and Audacity for Peace,” brought together more than 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 historic Vatican declaration redefining the Church’s relations with non-Christian faiths. The anniversary was marked with a solemn celebration at the Vatican on October 28-29, where His Holiness Pope Leo XIV presided as the guest of honor and led a peace march to the Colosseum in Rome.

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During his meeting with the Pope, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad presented the grand narrative and message of Pakistan, which Pope Leo appreciated. He also invited the pope to visit his country, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to advancing interfaith dialogue and peace.

“Interfaith harmony is a necessity of our times, and through dialogue we can lead the world towards peace,” said Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, emphasizing the importance of ending violent behavior and promoting respect for humanity.

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Pope Leo XIV thanked 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 interfaith dialogue was planted. Today, that seed has grown into a mighty tree bearing abundant fruit of understanding, friendship, cooperation and peace,” he said.

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