Niwano foundation awards peace prize to Jordanian prince

Published: 2008-02-28

ROME (CNS) -- The Tokyo-based Niwano Peace Foundation has awarded its 2008 prize for religious contributions to peace to Jordanian Prince El Hassan bin Talal. The prince has long been active in interreligious dialogue and epitomizes the moderate voice of Islam, the Niwano foundation said in a press release. Prince Hassan also has a connection with Pope Benedict XVI. In 1999, the prince established the Geneva-based Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue, and the future pope -- then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger -- was one of its founding members. Last year, the pope welcomed the prince at the Vatican and recalled their common commitment to improving interreligious and intercultural relations. The Niwano Peace Foundation said Prince Hassan will receive the 2008 prize during a May 8 ceremony in Tokyo. In addition to a certificate and medal, the award includes a cash prize of 20 million yen, about $188,000.

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