For the first time, Pope Tawadros II was accompanied by the Grand Imam of the Azhar, Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyib, when he led the meeting of the Bayt al-A’ilah (the Egyptian Family House, name of an initiative of the Azhar for Muslim-Christian dialogue). The meeting was organized by Dr. Mahmūd Hamdī Zaqzūq, former Minister of Endowments. Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyib said that "I am happy that this meeting takes place during the term of Pope Tawadros II", and he pointed out that the great work of the Bayt al- A’ilah did not stop despite the difficult circumstances the country is going through. Mentioning new branches of the Bay al- A’ilah in many governorates, al-Tayyib added that "the aim of the Bayt al- A’ilah is Egypt's Unity, the restoration of it's religious and moral values and respect for diversity."

Pope Tawadros II called upon the Bayt al- A’ilah to study the word "together" and it's impact on people, society and country. He added that he hopes the values of the beautiful Islam would reign in every corner of the country. He said that "Egyptian patriotism gives everybody of us responsibility,” calling on us to spread it in all of Egypt" ('Abd al-Wahhāb Sha'abān, al-Wafd, Feb. 14, p. 2). Read original text in Arabic here.