Ikhwanweb :: The Muslim Brotherhood Official English Website

Informed sources stated that the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Tayeb received Michael Gerald, the Vatican's ambassador informally on Tuesday afternoon in Cairo.

The meeting discussed Islamic-Christian relations and according to the sources, the Grand Imam refused to resume relations between Al-Azhar and the Vatican, until it had received an explicit apology from the Pope for the abuses and attacks against Islam and Muslims.

The Sheikh of Al-Azhar stressed during the meeting that the relationship between Catholic Christians and Muslims is good, but the relationship at the official level with the head of the Vatican is frozen, and Al-Azhar awaits the Pope's apology for all the abuses.

The Grand Imam confirmed to the Vatican's ambassador in Cairo, that Al-Azhar, and his one billion and 800 million followers are waiting for the apology. He wondered for who’s interest is Islam and Muslims being abused.

Imam Tayeb Al-Azhar stated that he was expecting the Pope to continue to follow the path of Pope John Paul II, who was highly respected by Muslims, and was appreciated by everyone and who sought to have good relations with the Muslims. He pointed out that, unfortunately, Pope Benedict began to destroy the relations between Muslims and Christians and end the possibility of dialogue.