“Pope Francis always stood up for the oppressed, the marginalized, and those forgotten in the midst of this world,” Pope Tawadros added during a phone-in with eXtra News satellite TV channel on Monday.

He said the deceased Pope's 12 years of active service set an example of a good and pure heart for every human being.

"Our relations were always based on mutual respect and trust," added the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, pointing to Pope Francis' visit to Egypt in 2017, when he met with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Pope Tawadros also pointed to his two visits to the Vatican in 2012 and 2023, the latter of which saw the pontiff's participation in celebrations of the 50th anniversary of good relations between the Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church.

"Pope Francis has left us a magnificent example of how to be in service of humanity, anytime and anywhere," Pope Tawadros said.