His Holiness Pope Tawadros II received, at the Papal Residence in Cairo, General Abdel Mageed Saqr, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, accompanied by Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, along with a number of commanders of the main branches of the Armed Forces. The visit came to extend greetings on the occasion of the Glorious Feast of the Nativity.

His Holiness expressed his appreciation for the visit and Nativity greetings of the Armed Forces leadership, commending the role of the Armed Forces as an institution with a deep-rooted history, noting that the Egyptian Army is among the oldest armies in the world. His Holiness also expressed his appreciation for the great responsibility borne by the men of the Armed Forces in light of the conflicts currently witnessed around the world.

Regarding the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Holiness pointed out that the lesson we draw from this blessed occasion is to be mindful of God in our work and to make peace, so that we may reap joy and gladness.

For his part, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on behalf of himself and the accompanying delegation, conveyed his sincere greetings on the occasion of the New Year and the Feast of the Nativity. He expressed his joy at meeting His Holiness, affirming that the Armed Forces are an integral part of the Egyptian people, and emphasizing the importance of remaining united as one solid and cohesive nation.