AFRICA/EGYPT - Copt Catholic Bishop Antonios Mina says: Copt Orthodox Christians will be present at the Mass celebrated by the Pope, as well as many Muslims

Wednesday, 26 April 2017 oriental churches   pope francis   middle east   dialogue   ecumenicalism  

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AFRICA/EGYPT – Copt Catholic Bishop Antonios Mina says: Copt Orthodox Christians will be present at the Mass celebrated by the Pope, as well as many Muslims

Cairo (Agenzia Fides) – Preparations for Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt “proceed according to programme”, and expectancy for the arrival of the Pope “is involving not only Christians, but the whole country”. Copt Catholic Bishop Anba Antonios Aziz Mina, emeritus of Guizeh. Bishop Anba Antonios, says that a clue to the widespread interest for the papal visit will be the multiform participation at the mass celebrated by Pope Francis at 10 am on Saturday 29 April at Cairo’s Military Airforce Stadium in the city outskirts. “Initially ” Bishop Anba Antonios explains” the mass was to be celebrated in a covered venue in the centre of Cairo. The change of programme became necessary not only because the stadium would be easier to manage for security forces, but because it would offer more seating room for people wishing to attend. The number of Catholic faithful will be 5-6 thousand at the most, and the stadium can hold some 20 thousand. Numerous Orthodox Copts are expected as well as members of other Christian Churches and ecclesial communities, and numerous Muslims, besides those of several large official delegations, religious and civil”. On his arrival to greet the faithful and all present, Pope Francis will circle the stadium in a Golf Car. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2017).


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