Pope Francis hosted the first meeting of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (The Committee) on Sept. 16 at the Vatican. The Committee https://www.forhumanfraternity.org/ consists of international religious, educational, and cultural leaders who support the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, in Abu Dhabi, during the Pope’s visit in February.

“Today, we are religious leaders representing Islam, Christianity and Judaism,” reads a statement on the Committee website. “Tomorrow, we hope to represent many more – all seeking to bring peace through mutual understanding. We aspire to have an impact at a local, regional, and global scale, and we will soon be sharing that emerging purpose and vision with influential and prominent leaders from different religions, organizations, governments, and more. Stay tuned.”

The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled this Friday in New York.