Cardinal Tolentino Joins Judging Panel for Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2025

The prestigious $1 million award honours global efforts toward peace, tolerance, and human fraternity, inspired by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, has been appointed to the judging committee of the 7th annual Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The award, valued at USD $1 million, celebrates individuals and organizations that promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and solidarity across global communities.

The Zayed Award was established in February 2019 following the historic meeting between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, during which they co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the award continues to be supported and sponsored by the United Arab Emirates.

Each year, the award’s recipients are selected by an independent, internationally respected jury. The composition of the panel changes annually and always includes three specific appointees: one by the Pope, one by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and one by the UN Secretary-General. This year’s panel is composed of:

• Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education
• Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF
• Charles Michel, former President of the European Council and ex-Prime Minister of Belgium
• Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and ex-Prime Minister of Chad
• Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of Administration of the President of Uzbekistan
• Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

Cardinal Tolentino expressed gratitude for his appointment, viewing it as part of Pope Francis’ enduring legacy of promoting human fraternity. “I accept this responsibility bestowed upon me by Pope Francis,” he said, “to honour those putting into practice the values of human fraternity. In a spirit of service and obedience to Pope Leo, I look forward to reviewing nominations and becoming familiar with so many people making a difference in the world.”

The Zayed Award is open to people of all backgrounds, religions, and nationalities. It recognises remarkable achievements in fostering dialogue, encouraging interfaith cooperation, and upholding the dignity of human life. Past recipients have included spiritual leaders, peace activists, and humanitarian organizations from across the globe.

During the 2025 edition of the award ceremony, Archbishop Christophe El-Kassis, the Holy See’s Apostolic Nuncio to the UAE, highlighted the significance of the award in strengthening ties between the Vatican and the UAE. “Relations between the countries are very good,” he noted, adding that promoting human fraternity remains the core of their collaborative efforts.

Archbishop El-Kassis described the joint vision of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam as a “model for others,” emphasising the importance of global unity and mutual respect. “The Zayed Award reminds us that we are all one family,” he said.

With its growing international prominence, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity continues to serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging meaningful global action in pursuit of a more compassionate and united world.