Imam of Al-Azhar hopes papal relations can 'normalise'
Ahmed el-Tayeb one of most influential figures for Sunni Muslims
13 March, 22:34
(ANSA) - Cairo, March 13 - Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam
of Al-Azhar, hopes the election of Francis I as pope can
normalise relations with the Islamic world, the diplomatic
advisor to one of the most influential figures for Sunni Muslims
said Wednesday.Francis's predecessor Benedict XVI angered the Islamic world when in 2006 he quoted a past emperor who called Islam 'evil and inhuman'.
Benedict's appeals on the behalf of Christian minorities suffering attacks in the Muslim world were also seem by some as interference.
"Let's hope now that relations return to normal," the advisor, Mahmud Abdel Gawad, told ANSA adding that el-Tayeb will send Francis a telegram on Thursday.
