H.H. Pope Tawadros II and his accompanying delegation arrived today (Tuesday afternoon), at Malpensa International Airport, in Milan, marking the beginning of His Holiness’ pastoral visit to Milan and Venice, Italy.

His Holiness left Cairo International Airport this morning to begin his pastoral visit. He was received at Cairo Airport by Accountant Magdy Ishak; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cairo Airport Company, and a number of airport leaders.

Accompanying His Holiness during his visit is a delegation consisting of: His Eminence Metropolitan Daniel (Metropolitan of Maadi and Secretary of the Holy Synod), Bishop Gabriel (Bishop of Beni Suef), Bishop Yolyos (General Bishop of Old Cairo and the Bishopric of Services), and the Monk Father Kyrillos Anba Bishoy (Manager of the Papal Office).

Upon his arrival in Malpensa International Airport, His Holiness was received by Ambassador Manal Abdel Dayem (Consul General in Milan), Egyptian Consulate representatives, His Grace Bishop Antonio (Bishop of Milan and Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite in Milan), His Grace Bishop Louka (Bishop of the French sector of Switzerland and Southern France), and a number of priests from the diocese.

During the visit, His Holiness is expected to inaugurate two new churches, and hold a number of pastoral meetings with the priests of the Diocese of Milan, the monks of the Monastery of Saint Shenouda in Milan, and the servants, deacons, youth and congregation of the diocese. The visit will also include a seminar held by His Holiness for the bishops of Europe, under the topic of “The Coptic Church’s Service in Europe.”

The first activity of His Holiness was a meeting with the priests of the Diocese of Milan and their wives. He spoke to them about “Longing for God” and answered their questions.

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