The Secretary General of the Muslim World League Meets with the Pope of the Vatican and Launch the Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award

His Excellency Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with Pope Francis at the Pope's office in the Vatican. During their meeting, they discussed several issues of cooperation and mutual interest.

As part of his visit to Italy, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa was awarded an honorary postdoctoral fellowship in law by the prestigious University of Bologna. This historic recognition was celebrated in a ceremony attended by the University President, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, a number of academics, Italian Islamic leaders, and Catholic dignitaries.

Dr. Al-Issa was granted the Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant contributions to advancing the goals of the United Nations Charter, which embodies the global aspiration for peace. His efforts include reducing intercultural tensions, building bridges between societies based on mutual understanding of differences, and fostering cooperation on shared values, all of which support initiatives promoting peace and friendship among peoples.

His Eminence highlighted that the honorary postdoctoral fellowship in law from one of the most prestigious Western universities reflects the Islamic values he strives to promote. These values are demonstrated through the leading roles of the Muslim World League, the Organization of Muslim Scholars, and the League of Islamic Universities.

During his visit, His Excellency Sheikh Al-Issa officially launched the "Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award" at a ceremony held at the Catholic University in Milan, Italy. The event was attended by high-level officials, including the Vatican’s Prime Minister, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, the University President—award partners—faculty members, students, and prominent Italian Islamic leaders.

Islamic leaders hailed the award as a long-awaited milestone, particularly given its launch at the Catholic University—recognized worldwide for its expertise in academic specialization and related studies. They view it as a significant and hopeful development on this influential global platform within Christian communities.

The award covers several categories in Islamic Studies and the Arabic Language, with a focus on clarifying Islamic concepts across various scientific fields and addressing important issues. It also aims to promote the learning of the Arabic language, highlighting its unique characteristics and beauty.