Polish television channel TVP conducted an interview with H.H. Pope Tawadros II, in which he discussed key features of the Coptic Church’s history, prospects for theological dialogue, and inter-church relations, affirming that “love is the language that can unite.”

At the beginning of the interview, His Holiness noted that the Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest in the world, having been founded by Saint Mark the Apostle in the first century A.D. He added:
“Egypt embraced Christianity early, and since then, the Coptic Church has become a church of the nation and of witness, offering throughout history hundreds of thousands of martyrs who preserved the faith with their blood.”

He emphasized that the Coptic Church continually renews its giving through monasticism, theological education, and community service.
“We are a Church deeply rooted in history, but always oriented toward the future with the spirit of the Gospel,” he said.

His Holiness explained that what distinguishes the Coptic Orthodox Church is its wholeness, expressing its faith through the Coptic language, hymns, and arts — including icons and more. He noted that even the crosses are handmade in the monasteries, crafted by monks from wood to be carried in the hand.

“It is a Church deeply rooted in the conscience of its people. Every element within it carries a message of love, beauty, and holiness,” he added.

On inter-church relations, Pope Tawadros said that the Coptic Church actively participates in theological dialogues with other churches, considering these dialogues a mature fruit of a long history of meetings and mutual respect.

Regarding church relations within Egypt, His Holiness pointed to the establishment of the Egypt Council of Churches in 2013 as a positive sign of ecumenical relations. The council includes the Coptic Orthodox, Evangelical, Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Anglican churches and works to promote shared service and cooperation.
“The council is a bridge for understanding and joint cooperation between Egyptian churches on issues of society and the nation,” he noted.

Pope Tawadros recalled his first international visit after his enthronement — to Rome in May 2013 — and his historic meeting with Pope Francis, saying:
“I found in him a humble heart and a loving spirit. Our meeting was fraternal.” His Holiness also spoke about reciprocal visits and the annual celebration of the Day of Brotherhood Love.

Elsewhere in the interview, His Holiness noted that the situation of Christians in Egypt has seen gradual and tangible improvement in recent years on multiple levels. He especially highlighted the Church Building Law, which marked a historic step toward legalizing old churches and creating a clear legal framework for building new ones, following decades of bureaucratic and social obstacles.

He affirmed that this change did not happen overnight but was the result of long dialogue and joint cooperation between the Church and the state, as well as a growing national spirit supported by a constitution that enshrines citizenship and equality.

H.H. Pope Tawadros II began today a pastoral visit to several countries within the Diocese of Central Europe, as part of his 2025 pastoral agenda. He is scheduled to meet with members of the Coptic community as well as high-level civic and ecclesiastical leaders in the countries he visits.

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