At the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle emphasized the urgent need for interfaith dialogue to counter rising secularization and the political exploitation of religious and cultural differences.
In a world where secularization is advancing, “the only antidote to this is encounter and dialogue marked by friendship and respect between persons of different religious traditions,” said Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, during a February 4 speech in Abu Dhabi at the ceremony of the sixth edition of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
This approach, he said, “can help us to overcome a further suspicious attitude which sadly we see increasingly in highly secularized societies, namely the suspicion or even hostility directed not only towards particular religious traditions but toward the religious dimension as such,” Fides reported.
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity award was established in 2019 following the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb. Six years after this historic agreement, Cardinal Tagle reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to fostering interfaith respect, delivering his remarks at the Abrahamic Family House, a multi-faith complex inspired by the document.
Challenges and the need for dialogue
“As the world becomes ‘smaller’ due to globalization and migration, interactions among different faiths, cultures, and traditions have increased,” Cardinal Tagle said. “In various parts of the world, there are situations where coexistence is difficult, to say the least, where political or economic motives exploit cultural or religious differences, playing upon past misunderstandings or mistakes, and resulting in a climate of suspicion and fear.”
He stressed that dialogue is the only way forward. “Indeed, whenever we take that route, the path outlined by the Document on Human Fraternity, we become ever more authentically human.”
Further reading: Christianity, Islam not at war but exploited for political purposes, says Grand Imam of al Azhar
In secularized societies, he noted, religion is often seen as “something useless or even dangerous,” and many believe that peaceful coexistence is only possible if faith is confined to the private sphere or neutral spaces devoid of religious expression. “It is impossible to think of fraternity as being ‘born in a laboratory,’” he said. “Naturally, it is necessary that everyone respect the sincere convictions of others, including unbelievers, but we must have the courage and patience to do so by holding true to who we are and what we believe.”
Cardinal Tagle also emphasized the need for religious freedom, stating, “The recognition and proclamation of the fundamental right of religious freedom in all its dimensions is essential for world peace and living together.”
Pope and Grand Imam address the ceremony
Both Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb addressed the ceremony in video messages, recognizing the award’s significance and its honorees.
“I trust that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honorees will set an example to encourage others in undertaking initiatives to promote peaceful coexistence and that they will be models of fruitful collaboration between people of different religions at the service of all humanity,” said Pope Francis.
Further reading: The pope’s human fraternity project more important than ever, says theologian
Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb expressed similar sentiments. “On this occasion, I am pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Zayed Award for Human Fraternity honorees,” said the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. “The Honorable Mia Mottley, I commend your tireless efforts in addressing the global challenges of climate change. The young hero—today’s child and tomorrow’s scientist—Heman Bekele, it was truly a joy to witness your well-deserved recognition. World Central Kitchen, honoring you today is indeed an acknowledgment of all humanitarian relief workers who have left their homes, families, and children to extend a helping hand to the vulnerable and oppressed.”
Since its inception in 2019, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has been awarded to 16 recipients, including 11 individuals and five organizations, with nominations coming from 66 countries. This year’s top honoree was World Central Kitchen, a humanitarian organization that provides food to communities affected by crises and conflicts. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley was recognized for her leadership in the fight against climate change, while Ethiopian-American inventor Heman Bekele, just 15 years old, was honored for developing a low-cost soap that prevents and treats early-stage skin cancer.
