Italian President hopes Pope’s visit to Egypt encourages resolving Middle East crisis

CAIRO- 29 April 2017: Italian President Sergio Matarella expressed his hope that the Apostolic Mission of Pope Francis of the Vatican would encourage Egypt to resolve many crises in the Middle East, according to Vatican Radio.

"At this critical moment concerning peace, your visit is a confirmation of your courageous commitment to promoting human values and interfaith dialogue," said Matarella in response to a telegram sent by the Pope from the plane.

He clarified that the visit represents a message of hope to believers and non-believers calling for the protection of internationally recognized human rights.

He hopes it would encourage the resolution of many of the crises which have been shaking the Middle East for a long time. He added that he would like to send heartfelt congratulations on this pastoral mission of great humanitarian, social and religious value.