H.H. Pope Tawadros II expressed his firm condemnation of all forms of violence, conflict, and warfare taking place in the Middle East, expressing his hope that the new Coptic year would bring peace and stability to the countries of the region.

This came at the beginning of his weekly Wednesday sermon, delivered at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria.

His Holiness stated:”We condemn all forms of violence and conflict, and we also denounce the policy of violating the sovereignty of nations. We pray that the scope of conflict, war, fighting, and starvation may not widen—as though humanity has lost its mind.”

Pope Tawadros continued: “We pray that God may protect the countries of the Middle East and grant wisdom and discernment to their leaders, for wars ultimately yield no true results. In war, all are losers, all are defeated. We pray that God may grant wisdom and sound judgment, that we may live in peace, that nations may be spared conflict and suffering, and that the new year may be a year of peace and reassurance for the whole world and for our nation.”

His Holiness also issued a warning: “We remind those who pursue wars, violence, and conflict that, O man, you will one day stand before God and give an account of your life. God the Judge will not forget any deeds of evil, violence, sin, or fighting, nor anything that causes suffering to humanity.”

He concluded: “Pray that God may bless the new year, making it a year of blessing, crowned with joy, calmness, discernment, and human repentance, so that the countries of the region may return to peace and stability, for the sake of growth and prosperity.”

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