Catholic Church: Pope Francis’s visit signifies Egypt is safe

Cairo – 7 April 2017: Pope Francis’s visit is a message to the world that Egypt is safe and it will support the dialogue between Al-Azhar and The Vatican, Bishop of Egyptian Catholics in Luxor and chairman for the organizing committee of the pope’s visit to Egypt said Thursday,

according to Al-Watan.

Bishop Amoue’el spoke at the Patriarchate of Catholic Copts. He stated that Pope Francis's visit comes in celebration of 70 years of successful diplomatic relations between Egypt and Italy.

Sending a message to the Italian people, Amoue’el said that all Egyptian Christians have been enjoying the same right as Muslims, without any discrimination. He also praised “the June 30 Revolution that saved Egypt from drowning,” and was a relief for Christians and all Egyptians.

Bishop Amoue’el also referred to the murder of Italian citizen Giulio Regeni in 2016, affirming that the Egyptian government has responded to all the requests made by Italy.

During his two-day visit, Pope Francis will meet with Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed El Tayeb and deliver a speech before the global peace conference, organized by Al-Azhar.

After his meeting with Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, Pope Francis will also participate in a prayer for victims of the terrorist attack that took place at the St. Peter and St. Paul's Church in December 2016.