RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, met Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, in the Vatican to discuss mutual cooperation and shared interests.

During his visit to Italy, Al-Issa received an honorary fellowship in post-doctoral law studies from the University of Bologna.

The ceremony was attended by the university’s president, the law faculty’s dean, academics, and religious leaders from both Islamic and Catholic communities.

The honor recognized Al-Issa’s efforts in advancing the goals of the UN Charter, promoting peace, reducing cultural tensions, and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among communities.

The MWL chief emphasized that the reasons for awarding him the post-doctoral fellowship in law from one of the most prestigious Western universities “reflect our Islamic values, which we must clarify to everyone.”

As part of his visit, Al-Issa launched the Islamic Studies and Arabic Language Award at the Catholic University of Milan.

The event was attended by high-level Vatican officials, marking the launch of a groundbreaking initiative to promote the teaching of the Arabic language and Islamic studies in Europe.

Islamic leaders described the award as a long-awaited step on an influential platform within Christian communities. The award includes categories that clarify Islamic concepts and promote the beauty and importance of the Arabic language.

MADINAH: Madinah governor Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz on Monday launched the $160 million first phase of the Madinah Gate project.

The mixed-use development will comprise a 325-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, 80 shops, 44 restaurants, apartments, recreational facilities and a bus station, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It will also have a direct connection to the Haramain High-Speed Railway, which links Madinah with Makkah.

Madinah Gate — the first two phases of which will span 37,000 sq. meters — is being developed as a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and developer Knowledge Economic City Co., with support from the city’s authorities.

Amin Shaker, chairman of the development company, said the project — its first in southern Madinah — would help strengthen the city’s status as a global visitor destination.