On Saturday, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II had a busy day visiting various sites in Rome. In the morning, he paid a visit to the Colosseum, an iconic Christian monument and one of the most significant sites where Christians were martyred by Roman emperors. The Colosseum was constructed in the first century AD by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. This massive construction is made of stone and is situated just east of the Roman Forum.
The Pope and his accompanying delegation were given a detailed historical explanation of this significant location in Rome. The Arch of King Constantine, situated close to the main entrance of the Colosseum, was constructed in 315 AD to commemorate the triumph of Constantine I over Maxentius at Milvian Bridge. This iconic structure is considered a symbol of Rome’s rich history.
For centuries, the Colosseum was ignored and its stones were used to construct various buildings, such as the cathedrals of St. Peter and St. John Lateran, the Palace of Venice, and the defensive fortifications along the Tiber.
In the afternoon, His Holiness paid a visit to the Egyptian Embassy in the Vatican, where he was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Mahmoud Talaat and the staff of the Embassy. A lunch was organised in honour of the Pope, which was attended by Ambassador Bassam Rady, the Egyptian Ambassador to Italy, as well as distinguished leaders from the Egyptian embassies in Italy and the Vatican.
During a brief address, Ambassador Mahmoud Talaat expressed admiration for His Holiness the Pope’s character, and his dedication to spreading love and promoting peace wherever he goes. The ambassador also spoke of the joy that was felt during the Pope’s general audience at the Vatican, amidst a world plagued by conflict and war and offered gratitude to His Holiness for his efforts.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros responded and expressed that Egypt is a strong nation despite facing many challenges. He emphasised the significance of the Nile River, which is a gift from God that symbolises tranquillity, perseverance, and spirituality. The Nile has brought people together and created a sense of unity among them. He also reiterated his eagerness to visit the Egyptian embassy in all the countries he visits.
In the evening, the Pope prayed the vespers of the fourth Sunday of the Holy Fifty after the Holy Resurrection at the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, Rome as part of his pastoral visit to the dioceses of Rome and Turin. Many people gathered to participate in praying the vespers and filled the cathedral.
At the end of the vespers, the Pope delivered a speech and posed a thought-provoking question to the audience – asking whether they bring happiness to Christ. His Holiness then provided an answer based on the teachings of the Gospel of Matthew.
“Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out,�Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;” (Matthew 12 : 18-20)
His Holiness the Pope indicated that they are verses that are valid for all of us today, as beings of God:
1- “He does not quarrel.”
2- “He does not cry out”
3- “Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets”
4- “A bruised reed that does not break”
5- “A smoking flax He will not quench”
His Holiness advised that on the basis of these words we should bring joy to Christ’s heart in our lives, work and service.
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