H.H. Pope Tawadros II received at the papal headquarters in Cairo today (Tuesday): Counselor Mahmoud Fawzi, head of the official campaign for the presidential candidate; Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Brigadier General Wissam Sabry, the executive director of the campaign, and members of the campaign.
Counselor Fawzi expressed his and the campaign members’ happiness to meet with His Holiness. He praised the national role of His Holiness since his inauguration as Pope of the Coptic Church, and the constant keenness of Pope Tawadros to explain the state of the Copts during the era of President Sisi, who deeply believes in the principle of patriotism, which resulted in the issuance of the law for building churches, and the Egyptian Christians obtaining many positions which they could not obtain before.
He expressed his appreciation for the balanced role played by the Coptic Church, as it does not interfere in political matters, and at the same time it strongly sides with everything that supports the nation.
He stressed that the president’s vision of categorically rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their lands was an insightful one that received great support from the Egyptians.
He pointed out that what happened in Palestine in recent days made the vision become clearer for the Egyptian citizen.
Regarding the presidential elections, he stressed that we view the issue of elections as a national issue, calling for the necessity of all Egyptians to participate in the elections.
For his part, His Holiness welcomed the members of the campaign to the headquarters of the Coptic Church; the Church of Egypt. Pope Tawadros recounted an aspect of the history of the Coptic Church.
His Holiness appreciated the current approach of the political leadership and the Egyptian state, which is dedicated to achieving the principle of equality, stressing that elections in general are a constitutional entitlement for every Egyptian.
He pointed out that the Church has a spiritual role as it serves her children, and a social role through serving everyone without discrimination.
Regarding the elections, H.H. Pope Tawadros said: “I value participation in the presidential elections, and I call on everyone to care about going to the ballot boxes.” He added: “Collective participation has great importance and influence in shaping the future.”
He highlighted that the idea of competing in elections increases their value and gives them great importance.
He praised the position of the political leadership on the Palestinian crisis, and the achievements that have been made on the ground in recent years, especially in the health sector, demonstrating the state’s success in tackling Hepatitis C, eliminating slums, and the “Decent Life” project, which provides housing, schools and hospitals for the areas which were deprived of these services.
He concluded that there are those who are not pleased with these achievements, so they seek to belittle and distort them. Therefore, those behind these achievements to advance the nation do not pay attention to these obstacles, but rather look ahead, relying on their actions to testify for them.
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