The Antonianum signs an energy agreement with the Islamic Centre of Italy

On Monday, 13 March, in Rome, during the "Energy for Peace. Making Energy for Peace" conference, the Pontifical Antonianum University (PUA) and the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy - Grand Mosque of Rome signed Italy's first interreligious and energy agreement. The document expresses the desire to 'implement a shared energy community project between the PUA and the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy as the first example of profound collaboration and synergy between their communities".

With this agreement, photovoltaic panels will be installed to produce 50 kilowatts at the General House of the Friars Minor, 120 at the Antonianum and 250 at the Mosque.

The agreement was signed for the PUA by Br Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General and Grand Chancellor, and Br Augustín Hernández Vidales, Rector; for the Islamic Centre of Italy by Dr Nader Akkad, Imam, and Dr Abdellah Reouane, Secretary General.

The importance of the document goes beyond energy or economic needs. During the conference, Br John Puodziunas, General Bursar of the Order, explained: "We started this project about six years ago; we started the process, and twice we were rejected for various reasons, both by the Antonianum and the General Curia. One of the values guiding us in this area is relationship: we are not doing things alone. We are working with someone else, with other people. It's not just about financial benefits; it's about mission orientation and mission effectiveness, not just financial efficiency. So mission effectiveness is only visible in the act of signing this agreement together".

The document emphasises the importance of "inviting all people with faith in God and faith in human brotherhood in their hearts to unite and work together, so that it may become a first tangible opportunity for Italy, in particular for the city community of Rome". Imam Nader also highlighted the importance of this agreement: "This is a momentous signing: it is no small thing to produce energy and donate it. Our action also becomes a model for other Muslim communities worldwide".

Br. Augustin, Rector of the PUA, also explained that "the signing is part of the development of the Licence in Integral Ecology at the PUA; we wanted to sign it on 13 March, the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' election".