His Holiness Pope Tawadros II: “Egypt is unique as the only country visited by Christ Himself. It is the cradle of Christian monasticism. Relations between Christians and Muslims in Egypt are strong, and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is a president for all Egyptians.”
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II: “Relations with the Catholic Church are strong and developing. However, theological dialogue has been suspended following the document concerning the blessing of same-sex unions. We firmly reject everything related to homosexuality or the blessing of such marriages.”
The Croatian Catholic newspaper “Glas Koncila” published an interview with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II on the sidelines of His Holiness’ visit to Croatia, which concluded yesterday.
Journalist Ivan Tašev discussed with His Holiness several topics, most notably the history of Christianity in Egypt. During the interview, His Holiness noted that Christianity spread throughout the world, but Egypt remains unique as the only country visited by the Holy Family. He also emphasized that Egypt is the birthplace of Christian monasticism, and that Saint Anthony the Great — the first monk in history — was Egyptian, from whom monasticism spread throughout the world.
His Holiness also spoke about the Church’s social role through the establishment of hospitals and schools serving all Egyptians.
Regarding relations between the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic Churches, His Holiness stated that relations are strong and continue to develop. He explained that theological dialogue has been paused after the Orthodox Churches requested further clarification concerning the document related to the blessing of same-sex unions, stressing the Church’s complete rejection of all matters related to homosexuality or the blessing of such marriages.
He also noted that His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, General Bishop, recently visited Rome and is expected to meet Pope Leo XIV, with this issue expected to be among the topics discussed.
His Holiness affirmed that strong bonds of love and continuous visits exist between the two Churches, explaining that relations between Churches involve four stages:
- Building good relations among all Churches.
- Studying one another’s Churches in order to better understand each other, including their history, doctrines, and traditions.
- Engaging in theological dialogue.
- Praying for Christian unity.
“When these four steps are fulfilled,” His Holiness said, “we will achieve the desire that resides in the heart of Jesus Christ: that all may be one.”
The interview also addressed the issue of unifying the date of Easter. His Holiness commented that, according to the canons of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, the Patriarch of Alexandria is responsible for determining the date.
Speaking about the situation of Christians in the Middle East and in Egypt, His Holiness stated:
“Many countries experience persecution, but thanks be to God, there is no such persecution in Egypt. Yes, some problems may arise from time to time because Egypt has a large population, but the fundamental reality is that relations between Christians and Muslims in Egypt are strong.”
He added that since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi assumed office in 2014, conditions have changed, saying: “He became a president for all Egyptians, and thus became a president for us as well.”
During the interview, His Holiness also thanked the Croatian authorities for their welcoming attitude toward Egyptian Christians and expressed his hope for the provision of a place of worship for the Coptic Orthodox faithful in Croatia.
