Pope’s visit destroys terrorists’ hopes: MPs

CAIRO – 29 April 2017: Pope's Francis's visit to Egypt and his denouncement of violence is a major blow to terrorism, Egyptian lawmakers stated.

Secretary of Foreign Relations Committee at the parliament, Tareq el-Khouly, said that the visit came at a "significant timing" and stressed that it "destroys terrorists' hopes."

"The pope's visit carries a message to clarify that there is not dispute or feud between Egyptians, and there is no discrimination between Muslims and Christians," the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of the Wafd Party Bahaa Abo- Shaqa said.

Abo-Shaqa added that Egypt “reveres Pope Francis.” He encouraged seizing the opportunity of his visit to declare Egypt a country of peace, love and fraternity, where many nationalities co-exist.

Spokesperson of the Wafd party, Mohamed Fouad said Pope Francis’ visit attracted the attention of the entire world and held the ultimate gain of promoting Egypt as safe.

In the same context, Deputy of Free Egyptians Party, Khaled Fahmy called on the government to work on encouraging tourism and investment in the country.

Pope Francis arrived in Egypt Friday, where he met with President Sisi, Ahmed el-Tayyib Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Tawadros II Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and representatives of the Catholic and Coptic Orthodox churches. He came to Egypt endorsing peace and unity among Egyptians.