His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, met yesterday at the Vatican with the jury of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026, where they discussed the urgent need for concrete action to advance the principles of human fraternity and the role the award plays in affirming that “every human being and every religion is called to promote fraternity.”
During the meeting, attendees reflected on the award’s origins following the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by the late Pope Francis and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders.
The Pope affirmed that the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity reflects the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He expressed his appreciation for the jury, saying they place their expertise, insight, and moral commitment at the service of human fraternity.
The jury of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, an independent global honour that recognises individuals and organisations advancing the values of human fraternity and achieving meaningful progress toward peaceful coexistence, is meeting in Rome as part of its annual practice of convening in various cities around the world.
The seventh-edition jury for 2026 includes: Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium; Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Minister of Chad; Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF; Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan; His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See; and Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity.
Judge Abdelsalam said the meeting reaffirmed the belief that the award has become a global platform serving humanity and promoting fraternity amid major global challenges. Catherine Russell highlighted the prioritisation of protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, and fostering unity in a divided world.
Cardinal Tolentino emphasised the Holy See’s ongoing commitment to the values of the Document on Human Fraternity. Charles Michel said the discussions underscored the importance of dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding. Moussa Faki Mahamat described the meeting as a renewed affirmation of shared dedication to peace and human dignity, while Saida Mirziyoyeva said it strengthened hope in a future shaped by compassion and inclusion.
Following the meeting, the jury reviewed nominations for the 2026 award cycle. The selected recipient or recipients will receive a U.S.$1 million prize and will be honoured in Abu Dhabi on 4th February 2026, coinciding with the International Day of Human Fraternity.
Earlier, the jury held meetings in Cairo with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar as part of its nomination review process and engagement with religious and cultural institutions.
(Inputs from WAM)
