Pope Tawadros II discuss efforts to face extremism with European Parliament

CAIRO - 31 October 2018: Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark and Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb met on Wednesday with a delegation from the European Parliament and European Union (EU) Delegation to Egypt Ambassador Ivan Surkos to discuss efforts to tackle extremism in Egypt and the Arab region.

During the meeting, el Tayyeb said that the European Parliament has a major role to play in solving the current crises between the East and West.

He stated that the priority to achieve peace has greatly undermined in light of economic and trade interests.

Meanwhile, the delegation appreciated a call by Al Azhar to deepen the concept of citizenship in societies. They also expressed their desire to promote ethics and values of human rights among religions.

On October 13, Pope Tawadros II returned home on Friday after a long pastoral visit to the United States.

The pontiff launched 14 churches, ordained several priests, laid the foundation stone of four new churches and opened several service facilities.

He also met with bishops of the US and Canada, said the Coptic Orthodox Church's spokesman Boulos Halim in a statement.

This was his second visit to the US. The pope's first visit to the US was in 2015.

In statements on Thursday, Spokesman for the Coptic Orthodox Church Father Boulos Halim said the Pope expressed happiness over meeting the congregation of Virgin Mary church in Concord.

He also ordained two priests on his last stop in the US namely Father Joseph for the Virgin Mary and St John Church in Pleasanton, California and Father Mina to the St George Church in Kirland, Seattle, Washington State, the spokesman said.

In earlier statements, Father Boulos said the pontiff has during his month-long visit to the US, consecrated altars and icons in 14 churches and led 18 masses.

The pope held 14 meetings with church members in the US and baptized 36 persons.

He also laid down the foundation stone of four services buildings and ordained 11 clergymen to the rank of archpriest, said the spokesman, adding that the pope also ordained two men as priests and one arch deacon.

Additional reporting by MENA