ROME — The judging committee for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity (ZAHF) was received by the Pope Friday, following the first open launch for submissions in its second edition on Monday (Oct. 19).

During the meeting, Pope Francis welcomed the members of the committee, and stressed the importance of their role and mission, as impartial and independent judges.

Pope Francis also called on members to identify individuals who can continue their humanitarian efforts after winning the award, highlighting its purpose is to both celebrate the recipients’ achievements but also motivate them to continue to serve humanity.

The Pope concluded: “I have shared bread with my brother, the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb, and I want you to help humankind, with the committee, to share bread. I will pray for you, and I hope you that you will pray for me.”

The members of the judging committee thanked Pope Francis for this meeting and welcomed his support for the committee’s goals, which are tied to the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity.

They also praised the global inspiration for fraternity the Grand Imam and the Pope provided by signing the Document, in Abu Dhabi, last year. It is clear that the principles of this historical document will be reflected in the assessments of the judging committee, as it has already impacted the professional and personal lives of its members.

Organized by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, the visit highlighted the award’s shared ambition and fundamental ties with the Document on Human Fraternity and the principles it promotes. The discussion focusing on the urgent need to highlight the efforts needed to serve humanity, promote human fraternity, and honor the individuals who make these great efforts.

Ahead of their audience with Pope Francis, the committee held its inaugural meeting of the 2021 award cycle in Rome, on Thursday, (Oct. 22). These meetings are held every two weeks during the submissions phase and are used by committee members to discuss and share their views on the nominations received.

The judging committee comprises five members, as well as the secretary-general of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, and is an independent, neutral body, appointed by the HCHF to assess and select the overall recipient or recipients.

The visiting judging committee includes: Catherine Samba-Panza, former president of the Central African Republic; Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, former vice-president of the Republic of Indonesia; Michaelle Jean, 27th governor-general and commander-in-chief of Canada; Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, prefect of the supreme tribunal of the apostolic signature; Adama Dieng, former UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide and Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, secretary-general of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity.

The award was inspired by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity, by both Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, in 2019. The name of the award honors the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, and the shared values of fraternity, humanitarianism, and peaceful co-existence.

The Pope and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, were the first honorary co-recipients of the award; in recognition of their joint efforts in developing the Document on Human Fraternity. The award recognizes and rewards likeminded individuals and organizations, and those committed to these principles.

The nominations process for the 2021 award opened on Oct. 19 2020 and will close on Dec. 1, 2020. The recipient or recipients will be announced on Feb. 4, 2021. — SG