Pope Francis praises Sisi’s role towards Christians in Egypt

CAIRO – 4 May 2017: Pope Francis praised President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and his role towards Christians in Egypt during his weekly general speech Wednesday.

"I would like to thank President Sisi, the Egyptian people, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and of course the Coptic community in Cairo," he said.

He mentioned his visit to Al-Azhar University, which was focused on both the “relationship between Christians and Muslims” and “promotion of peace” in the world, as well as praising the “true secularism” that Sisi follows in his rule of Egypt.

The Holy Father also spoke about the role of Christians, who are called to be a “leaven of fraternity," in Egypt and elsewhere. He said his meeting with his “dear brother” Pope Tawadros II – the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch – and their “Common Statement” were "signs of the commitment of Christians to that fraternity,” Vatican Radio reported.

He called his voyage to Egypt "a sign of hope, refuge, and help,” and said it “signifies walking together along the path of hope.”

Pope Francis visited Egypt for two days last week, where he met with President Sisi. The visit marked the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Egypt and the Holy See.

The visit had an aim to foster reconciliation with the Muslim world following recent attacks against the Middle East’s biggest Christian community.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church met with Sisi in Cairo's Ittihadyia palace, and then met Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb and Coptic Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark.

Francis’s successful visit is the second of its kind; John Paul II visited Cairo in February 2000.