The second day of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II’s current pastoral visit to Milan and Venice witnessed official and public meetings, where His Holiness received Monsignor Franco Agence, Deputy Archbishop of Milan, accompanied by a delegation from the Catholic Church. It was a friendly meeting in which the spirit of fraternal love that linked the Coptic and Catholic Churches prevailed. The Catholic delegation presented a gift to His Holiness of the relics of a group of saints: Saint Augustine, Saint Ambrose and Saint Boktor.

This was followed by His Holiness’ reception of Ambassador Manal Abdel Dayem (Consul General of Egypt in Milan), accompanied by Consul Ahmed Al-Bakli (Deputy Consul General), Consul Mahmoud Al-Toukhy, Consul Ahmed Mounir, and Mr. Sabry Shukry (Public Relations Representative at the Consulate).

A friendly dialogue took place during the meeting, which included praising the role of the Egyptian community in performing its national duties, especially the Copts of Milan and their priests. His Holiness emphasized that the national duty is an obligation for every Egyptian.

Consul Mahmoud Al-Toukhy praised His Holiness’ support for the project of the Holy Family’s journey. Pope Tawadros explained that this project is of great importance, since it gives a unique advantage to Egypt and benefits Egypt.

H.H. Pope Tawadros II also held a paternal meeting with a group with special needs from the people of the Diocese of Milan. He spoke with them and asked about each of their circumstances. They took commemorative photos with His Holiness, capturing this friendly atmosphere.

The second public meeting came this evening, when His Holiness held the weekly Wednesday meeting at the Monastery of St. Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite in Milan. The meeting witnessed a large audience from the congregation of the Diocese of Milan, who gathered around their father and shepherd to hear his speech. His Holiness spoke about “Meekness to the Honorable” as part of a series of reflections on the litanies of the Gregorian Liturgy which he has been reflecting on in his Wednesday meetings during the past weeks.

After the meeting ended, His Holiness was keen to bless the people present and shook hands with them one by one, giving each of them a memorial gift.

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