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.