Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, has shared new details about President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s recent meeting with a delegation from the World Council of Churches, describing it as “a heartfelt and deeply human encounter” that lasted for more than 80 minutes.
In a phone interview with television host Sherif Amer on the program “Yahduth fi Misr” broadcast on MBC Masr, Pope Tawadros said the delegation expressed astonishment and admiration for Egypt’s efforts to host around five million Sudanese who have fled the ongoing war in their country. He said the guests praised Egypt’s humanitarian role in embracing its “brothers and sisters” from Sudan, noting that the meeting reflected warmth, openness, and genuine goodwill.
According to the Pope, President Sisi spoke in a spirit that was both human and spiritual, with words that “touched the hearts of everyone present.” The delegation, he added, was surprised by the positive transformation Egypt has undergone in recent years, and several members said they had not expected the country to appear as stable and vibrant as it now does.
Pope Tawadros explained that President Sisi discussed the divine role in guiding nations and reaffirmed Egypt’s firm commitment to freedom of belief and religious coexistence. “The president spoke beautifully about peace, coexistence, and the freedom of every person to worship as they choose,” the Pope said.
The meeting also touched on regional issues and the challenges surrounding Egypt, including discussions that took place at the recent Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. Pope Tawadros noted that the president shared insights and details that were not previously known to the public.
During the meeting, President Sisi called on the delegation to support the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit and to take part in efforts to rebuild Gaza. Members of the delegation, according to the Pope, praised Egypt’s leading role in promoting stability and peace in the region, particularly its mediation to halt the war in Gaza and its humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
Pope Tawadros concluded by expressing his gratitude for the meeting and for the president’s words, saying they offered “a dignified and inspiring image of Egypt to the world.” He described the atmosphere of the discussion as one filled with mutual respect and understanding, highlighting Egypt’s ongoing commitment to peace, dialogue, and compassion on both national and regional levels.
