Lisbon, Portugal, 4 August 2023 – Prince Rahim Aga Khan today met His Holiness Pope Francis in Lisbon, during the Pope’s visit to mark World Youth Day, a week-long religious and cultural event established by the Catholic Church to bring together young people from around the world. Prince Rahim was accompanied by Mr Nazim Ahmad, the Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to the Portuguese Republic.

Prince Rahim conveyed warm greetings on behalf of his father, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and on behalf of the global Ismaili community. His Holiness Pope Francis thanked Prince Rahim for the warm gesture and asked that his good wishes be transmitted to His Highness and members of his family, and to the global Ismaili Community.

The Pope and Prince Rahim discussed areas of mutual interest, including international affairs and the potential for future collaboration.

The institutions of the Ismaili Imamat and the Catholic Church work closely in Portugal in several areas, including the provision of early childhood development and care for the elderly.