This evening, H.H. Pope Tawadros II arrived in Croatia, the fourth stop of his pastoral tour, which has included Turkey, Austria, and Italy in addition to Croatia. This marks the first time that a Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church has visited Croatia.

His Holiness departed the city of Venice by car en route to the Croatian capital, Zagreb, passing through Slovenia during a journey that lasted approximately four hours.

Ambassador Rania El Banna, Egypt’s Ambassador to Croatia, was awaiting His Holiness at the border between Slovenia and Croatia, and accompanied him until his arrival at his residence in Zagreb.

Earlier today, Pope Tawadros concluded his six-day visit to the Italian city of Venice, during which he inaugurated the Conference of the Dioceses of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe, America, and Australia. He also presided over the Vespers and the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Saint Mark the Apostle at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, at the headquarters of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate in Europe. This morning, he also prayed the Divine Liturgy at the historic Basilica of San Marco, which houses the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist.

During his visit to Venice, His Holiness met with a number of metropolitans and bishops, and also held two separate meetings with the clergy of the Diocese of Milan and their wives.

‎During his visit to Croatia, His Holiness is accompanied by a delegation consisting of Their Graces Bishop Abraham, General Bishop of Los Angeles, USA, Bishop Giovanni of Central Europe, and Monk Fr. Emmanuel Al-Muharraqy, Director of the Office of His Holiness the Pope.‎

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