President El-Sisi checks on Pope Tawadros II after kidney surgery

CAIRO – 17 January 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi phoned Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, on Saturday to inquire about his health following a recent surgical procedure.

During the call, President El-Sisi conveyed his sincere wishes for the Pope’s swift recovery and continued good health, the Presidency said in a statement.

Pope Tawadros II, in turn, expressed his deep appreciation for the President’s gesture, saying it reflects the strong bonds of affection and mutual care.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Coptic Orthodox Church said Pope Tawadros II had successfully undergone a surgical procedure on one of his kidneys.

The statement added that the pope is currently spending several days in a hospital in Austria for post-operative clinical monitoring, in line with medical recommendations, to ensure his condition remains stable.

Following his discharge from the hospital, Pope Tawadros II will move to the St. Anthony's Monastery in Austria to undergo a period of recovery, before returning to Egypt and resuming his pastoral and ecclesiastical duties, the statement added.