H.H. Pope Tawadros II: “We Value President El-Sisi’s Directives to Ensure That Talents are Selected Impartially”

H.H. Pope Tawadros II met this morning at the theatre adjoining the Papal Residence in Alexandria with members of the Football Academy affiliated with the Montazah Coptic Development Center (MCDC). The meeting reflected His Holiness’ commitment to encouraging the development of children and young people in all aspects, including participation in sports and the discovery and nurturing of talents.

The meeting included a number of presentations, videos, and addresses. Dr. George Ibrahim, Director of the Academy, delivered an address highlighting its efforts over the past three years, the achievements accomplished, and the progress made since its establishment in 2023 under the supervision of H.G. Bishop Pavly, General Bishop of the Churches of the Montazah Sector and Bishop responsible for the youth of Alexandria.

Former Al Ahly Club and Egyptian National Team star Captain Hany Ramzy also delivered an address on God’s work and His plan for each person’s life in relation to human dreams and aspirations. He encouraged the Academy’s children to continue striving to achieve their dreams while accepting God’s plan for their lives.

Dr. Mina Ramsis, who is responsible for MCDC, also spoke, describing the Academy as a “light in the darkness.”

H.G. Bishop Pavly reflected in his address on the verse: “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things” (1 Timothy 4:8). He encouraged the children and young people to excel academically alongside their sporting activities.

The meeting concluded with an address by His Holiness, who expressed his happiness at the gathering and commended the various presentations and addresses. Pope Tawadros also expressed his appreciation for the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi concerning the impartial selection of talents.

His Holiness spoke about the three fundamentals of the game—“the ball, the field, and the team”—and reflected on their significance in our lives in general, as follows:

1. The Ball: It is played with creativity and integration in order to reach the goal.
2. The Field: It is a green rectangle governed and regulated by principles and rules.
3. The Team: It depends on a spirit of participation and cooperation, through which success is achieved.

The meeting was attended by Hegumen Abraam Emil, General Deputy of the Patriarchate in Alexandria.

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