H.H. Pope Tawadros II in his interview with Al-Watan: “The peace of the homeland is the foundation for the peace of all its children, and the Church is an essential partner in building peace and awareness.”

Home
>
Interviews
>
H.H. Pope Tawadros II in his interview with Al-Watan: “The peace of the homeland is the foundation for the peace of all its children, and the Church is an essential partner in building peace and awareness.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II in his interview with Al-Watan: “The peace of the homeland is the foundation for the peace of all its children, and the Church is an essential partner in building peace and awareness.”

December 21, 2025

H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “The relationship between the Church and the State during President Sisi’s era is built on harmony of purpose and the making of peace.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “The Coptic Orthodox Church is a national Church that prays for the nation, its leadership, and its people, and does not engage in politics.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “Woman is equal to man in Christ, but they differ in roles; therefore, the ordination of women as priests is completely rejected in the Coptic Orthodox Church. Respecting the natural law set by God is a duty for every human being.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “The era of financial aid will not end, but we believe that small projects are the key to development.”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II praised the evident progress in the field of citizenship in Egypt, considering that the State is proceeding on the right path toward equality and justice, although more steps are still needed in this area. He pointed out that Egypt presents a unique model of Islamic-Christian coexistence, demonstrated through the shared daily life among Egyptians.

This came during the interview conducted with His Holiness by Al-Watan newspaper, which covered numerous important ecclesiastical, national, and social issues.

During the interview, Pope Tawadros emphasized that the relationship between the Church and the State is very positive, particularly during the era of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and that it is based on harmony in goals and the making of peace. He offered thanks to God for the stability and progress the country is witnessing after difficult years that affected all Egyptians.

His Holiness also praised the tangible progress in the field of human rights, through the activation of the roles of national councils, the pardon of certain prisoners, and the National Council for Human Rights obtaining the international classification (A).

He affirmed that Egypt is a great country in its present and future and deserves that all of us work for it with confidence and hope. He noted that divine providence has been present, enabling Egypt to overcome many hardships in peace.

Pope Tawadros praised Egypt’s historic role in protecting the Palestinians and rejecting forced displacement, stressing that the Egyptian position was decisive and clear, contributing to supporting the path of peace.

On ecclesiastical matters, His Holiness said: “The greatest problem I face, and one I record before history, is the hardness of heart in some people. It is a serious problem. How can a person who has consecrated himself to God and lived as a servant in His holy Church carry within him a hard or stubborn heart? This is extremely dangerous and obstructs the work of God.”

In response to Al-Watan’s question: “If Your Holiness had been present at the Council of Nicaea in the year 325, what issue from today’s era would you have presented?”
He replied: “If I had been present at the Council of Nicaea, the issue I would have brought from today’s era is the matter of the ordination of women as priests. This issue is completely rejected in the Coptic Orthodox Church. When the Lord Christ came, He chose to be born of our Mother the Virgin Mary. If we as men and women wish to choose a representative, it would be our Mother the Virgin Mary. However, when Christ chose His disciples, He chose twelve men and instilled in them the principles of faith and service so that they would become the servants.”

He added: “The Lord Christ honored our Mother the Virgin and all women. The Bible states that ‘the man is the head of the woman,’ and the meaning of ‘head’ here is leader. When God created human beings, He created Adam first, then Eve. Therefore, respecting the natural law that God established is a duty upon every human being. Woman is equal to man in Christ but differs in role.”

His Holiness noted that the Church does not fear, for it carries traditions that were established two millennia ago. Whoever wishes to change them would need two millennia as well. Thus, there is no change in the Church, and whoever claims otherwise is merely spreading rumors. All the fathers and officials possess conscience, having received these traditions from prior generations, and we in turn hand them down to those after us.

He continued: “The Church believes that God is the One who governs life; He is the Pantocrator. Therefore, those who stir up problems are dealt with by conveying the truth, clarifying matters, and increasing their awareness, without entering into confrontation. We have no time to focus on negativity; the focus is always on positive aspects, while praying for them that God may grant them proper understanding. Such individuals see matters in reverse. This is not only at the level of the Church but worldwide as well. They exist among all people, all generations, and in all eras, so there is no need for concern. Faith and well-established traditions, preserved for centuries, remain as they are, while the means through which they are presented are renewed to fit the era without affecting the immutable principles.”

Regarding ecclesiastical education, Pope Tawadros stated: “Educational platforms have multiplied in this age, and every person wants to express his opinion or ideas. Therefore, we decided to regulate the educational process through a council that we will establish, to be called the Council of Ecclesiastical Education. Half of its members will be clergy — bishops, priests, and monks — and the other half will be laypeople, all holding doctoral degrees.”

On social care services, His Holiness affirmed that the era of financial aid will not end, but the Church believes that small projects are the key to development. He explained that they have already begun opening avenues for such projects, in parallel with the efforts of the Egyptian State.

Pope Tawadros offered advice to all Egyptians on the occasion of the New Year (2026): “Be faithful in all that you do and in all that you accomplish, and be diligent. The country needs every one of its sons and daughters. Each of us performs his role in his place so that we complete the picture. And please, O citizen, do not be someone who spreads negativity, losing hope and vision. Our country is great in its present and future. It possesses remarkable capabilities worthy of our trust and our efforts.”