About us

The Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI), founded by the Society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), is a study and research centre whose teaching and scientific activities provide the necessary preparation for an informed theological dialogue with Muslims. The training which PISAI has offered for over 50 years, leading to the degrees of the Licentiate and the Doctorate in Arabic and Islamic Studies, is based on the in depth study of the Arabic language, the necessary tool which enables access to the fundamental texts of Islam. Courses in Islamic sciences seek to present the history and thought of traditional Islam, both classical and modern, in an unbiased scientific way. The stages in the training take place within an educational programme which strives above all to recognize the right of each individual to be different.Teaching, publications and research are the primary tools for a serious, in depth preparation for human, theological, interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The students at PISAI, lay people and religious, come from every part of the world. At the end of their course of study at PISAI, many become actively involved through their work in direct or indirect contacts with the Muslim community. Among PISAI students can be found: religious, lawyers, business people, journalists, translators, researchers, members of the armed forces, members of the diplomatic corps and many others.

VISION: The Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI) will be an academic centre of excellence that promotes interreligious dialogue with Islam on every societal level through high quality formation and research.

“In order to sustain dialogue with Islam, suitable training is essential for all involved, not only so that they can be solidly and joyfully grounded in their own identity, but so that they can also acknowledge the values of others, appreciate the concerns underlying their demands and shed light on shared beliefs.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 253)

MISSION: PISAI will deliver its Vision through the following activities: high quality taught academic programmes, courses and doctoral studies; academic research; engagement with institutions, organisations and communities committed to Christian-Muslim relations. These activities will: cultivate and promote a scientific and comprehensive study of Islam and Christian-Muslim relations; form students at a high level in the specific disciplines of the Institute; prepare students for university teaching and research positions in the field of Islamic studies and Christian-Muslim relations; prepare practitioners of dialogue at the service of the universal Church and of the particular churches for the promotion of respectful and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims; train experts at the service of society for the promotion of intercultural dialogue with Muslims.

PISAi strategic plan 2024-2029

We are pleased to present the PISAI Strategic Plan 2024-2029.

The elaboration of the Plan follows a path that began with the Evaluation Report of the AVEPRO External Commission (12-14 February 2019), and clarifies the vision, mission, values and strategies that the PISAI aims to implement in the coming years, in a continuous process of enhancement and striving for excellence.

The Strategic Plan 2024-2029 describes the strategic priorities, objectives and actions to be monitored over the next five years. The implementation of the Strategic Plan and the monitoring of the objectives will be carried out through annual Action Plans and the procedures and tools for quality promotion and evaluation.

Download the PISAI Strategic Plan 2024-2029