Pope Tawadros reveals reasons behind refusing to meet Pence

CAIRO – 8 January 2018: After almost a month of his refusal to meet with U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence during his visit to Egypt, which was delayed twice, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria revealed the reason behind his decision during statements Sunday night.

“We were preparing for his reception ceremony until we heard Donald Trump's decision over re-locating the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, considering it the official capital of Israel. This decision affects millions of people's feelings in the region. How could we meet him after this?” Pope Tawadros wondered during an interview with CBC television channel.

Pence was scheduled to visit the Middle East last month; however the visit was delayed twice. And finally on December 19, the White House announced in a statement that the visit, that includes Egypt and Israel, would be delayed until mid-January in order for Pence to be present during the senate vote on tax code changes.

“The largest tax cut in American history is a landmark accomplishment for President Trump and a relief to millions of hardworking Americans,” read the statement, adding, “The vice-president is committed to seeing the tax cut through to the finish line. The vice-president looks forward to traveling to Egypt and Israel in January.”

This delay, however, came in line with Trump’s latest decision regarding Jerusalem, as many Egyptian religious leaders, including Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb and Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, announced that they will not meet pence due to the American administration's decision.

During the interview, Pope Tawadros talked about several other issues including the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in the New Administrative Capital. He described it as an “impressive” building, adding that President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi's arrival during the Christmas mass, January 7, was not expected. “He was on a short visit to Kuwait, but he still managed to surprise us!”

Talking about his youth, Pope Tawadros also said that he used to have a lot of Hobbies when he was younger including basketball and football. “It is very important for every person to have his own hobbies,” He added.