Ataul Wasih Tariq, Missionary-In-Charge, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Italy
Vatican commemoration of 60 years of Nostra Aetate
On 28 October 2025, an international interfaith gathering was held in the Vatican to mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the 1965 declaration of the Second Vatican Council. Issued in the aftermath of the Shoah, Nostra Aetate opened a new chapter in relations between the Catholic Church and other world religions, promoting mutual respect, peace, harmony and cooperation.
The declaration contains a notable passage on Islam, affirming the Church’s respect for Muslims who “adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself, merciful and almighty”, and calling on Christians and Muslims to “forget the past” and to work sincerely for understanding, social justice, moral good, peace and freedom.
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Italy was invited to the commemoration by Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The Jamaat’s delegation consisted of Abdul Fatir Malik Sahib, National President of Jamaat Italy; Marwan Gill Sahib, National President of Jamaat Argentina; Sayd Aqeel Shah Sahib, Missionary in Italy; Basheeruddin Tomasi Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Jamaat Italy; and my humble self.
Delegates from various faiths around the world were also present. Representing the Jamaat on stage were Marwan Gill Sahib and my humble self.
During the programme, the delegation had a brief opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV. Marwan Gill Sahib introduced the Jamaat and the institution of Khilafat in Spanish, while I conveyed greetings from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, spoke about the Jamaat’s humanitarian initiatives and extended an invitation for the Pope to visit the mosque. The Pope responded with a smile and a nod of acknowledgement.
The following morning, the delegation also attended the Pope’s General Audience, where they joined other Muslim leaders from around the world for a group photograph.
Islam’s message of peace delivered at the Italian Senate
On 5 November 2025, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Italy was granted the unique honour of presenting Islam’s teachings of peace at one of the country’s highest legislative institutions, the Senato della Repubblica. The international conference, held in the historic Sala Zuccari, focused on the theme “Persecution on the Basis of Religion and Conscience in the World.”
The event was organised at the invitation of Senator Valeria Valente, in collaboration with the think tank LIREC. Representatives from various faith communities and institutions took part, engaging in discussions on religious freedom and freedom of conscience.
I represented the Jamaat in my capacity as a member of LIREC’s Scientific Committee and briefly outlined the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, its global humanitarian efforts and the peaceful mission carried out under the leadership of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. I also referred to the opposition faced by the Jamaat while conveying its message of peace.
The occasion marked a historic moment as photographs of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra were displayed within the distinguished hall.
The Jamaat delegation consisted of the National President of Jamaat Italy, my humble self and some other office-bearers.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visits Jamaat Italy’s National Centre
On 8 November 2025, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Italy hosted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, at its national headquarters, Bait-ul-Tauhid, in San Pietro in Casale (Province of Bologna).
Cardinal Zuppi is widely regarded as one of Italy’s most prominent and respected religious leaders. His visit marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to foster understanding and dialogue between faith communities in the country.
To welcome the Cardinal, the Jamaat organised an interfaith reception, attended by over 150 distinguished guests. The majority of attendees were non-Ahmadi Italian friends, including representatives from the political, religious, academic, social and local leadership of the region.
Among the notable guests were Hon Emanuela Del Re, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Former EU Special Representative for the Sahel; Councillor Carla Fermariello, Member of the Rome City Council; professors, theologians and religious experts affiliated with the Vatican; the Mayor of San Pietro in Casale and members of his administration.
Throughout the programme, several invited speakers shared their reflections and, in the presence of Cardinal Zuppi, expressed appreciation for the services and peaceful message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
