AFRICA/EGYPT - Between fears of further incidents after the Friday prayers and the attention of the Arab world for the Pope in Lebanon

Cairo (Agenzia Fides) - "We await the end of the Friday prayers, to see if there are new incidents, that everyone a bit expects," says Fr. Rafic Greiche, head of the communications for the Catholic Church in Egypt. "In fact, several groups have announced that, after prayer, they will manifest again in front of the American Embassy in Cairo against the film that offends the Prophet Mohammed. Among other things, one of the most important mosques of Cairo is located in Tahrir Square, which is close to the Embassy," explains Fr. Greiche. "One must also keep in mind that this is an opportunity for the different preachers to show their oratorical skills," adds the priest, suggesting that it is difficult to expect conciliator sermons.
"Messages have been sent to mobile phones inviting Christians to come today to protest peacefully in front of the Coptic Cathedral. The messages were sent by mixed groups of Copts and Muslims," adds the priest.
With regards to the interest in Egypt for the Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in Lebanon, which begins today, Fr. Greiche emphasizes: "Catholic Egyptians are tuned on Telenour (Tele Lumiere), the Lebanon Catholic station, to follow live the Holy Father’s arrival in Beirut. But there is concern throughout the Arab world. For example Al Jazeera broadcast yesterday a long documentary about the papal visit. Our hope is that the Pope will bring a message of reconciliation with the Islamic world," concludes the priest. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/09/2012)