The Coptic Orthodox and Catholic Churches celebrated the thirteenth annual commemoration of the Day of Friendship between the two Churches.

The celebration was held at Saint George the Martyr Church in Rome, which belongs to the Diocese of Turin and Rome. His Grace Bishop Barnaba, Metropolitan of Turin and Rome, welcomed Ambassador Hussein El Saharty, Egypt’s Ambassador to the Vatican, and Egyptian Consul El Husseiny Khaled.

Representing the Catholic Church were His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity at the Vatican, and Fr. Hyacinthe Destivelle from the same office.

Representing the Coptic Orthodox Church was His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, General Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, who delivered a speech on behalf of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, while Cardinal Kurt Koch spoke on behalf of the Pope of the Vatican.

The Egyptian ambassador also delivered a congratulatory address marking the occasion and praised the idea of the Day of Friendship.

A video message containing greetings and words of love from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was broadcast during the celebration, along with a similar message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The celebration was also attended by Fr. Mario Marchiella from Saint Athanasius Catholic Church, along with several priests and monks from the Diocese of Turin and Rome.

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