Paris Mosque Rector Proposes Interfaith Event to Pope Francis

Chems-eddine Hafiz suggests a 2025 gathering in Paris to foster unity between Christians and Muslims in Europe.

Chems-eddine Hafiz, rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to propose an interfaith event promoting Christian-Muslim friendship.
The proposed event would take place in Paris under the pope's patronage, aiming to combat growing extremism and foster European humanist values.
The gathering may draw inspiration from the 1986 interreligious meetings in Assisi and highlight Saint Augustine as a symbol of East-West convergence.
Hafiz emphasized the need to address rising intolerance, stigmatisation of Muslims, and misconceptions linking Islam to violence in Europe.
The initiative comes as Hafiz faces scrutiny over halal certification practices and his stance on a detained Franco-Algerian writer, Boualem Sansal.