Abu Dhabi: A prominent Portuguese cardinal has joined the distinguished panel of judges for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, an international prize honoring exceptional efforts toward promoting unity and peace among peoples. The announcement was made by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, head of the Dicastery for Culture and Education in the Roman Curia, on Monday, July 7.
Cardinal Mendonça will serve on the jury for the 2026 edition of the award, which was established in February 2019 following the groundbreaking meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayyeb of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi. That encounter marked a historic step in interfaith dialogue and laid the foundation for the annual award.
The Zayed Prize named in honor of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates and former ruler of Abu Dhabi recognizes individuals, institutions, or initiatives that have significantly advanced the cause of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. The award ceremony is traditionally held on February 4, commemorating the day of the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity.
With a prize value of $1 million, the Zayed Award continues to spotlight figures and organizations making a tangible difference in a divided world. This year, the prestigious honor was jointly awarded to Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old Ethiopian-American youth scientist; and the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.
Cardinal Mendonça’s appointment further strengthens the award’s global and interfaith outlook, symbolizing a shared commitment to bridging cultures, promoting peace, and affirming the dignity of every human being.