Pope Francis expresses condolences to Coptic Patriarch following Egypt attack

Pope Francis expresses condolences to Coptic Patriarch following Egypt attack

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis this morning called His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, to express his condolences following the  recent attack on the Coptic Cathedral of St. Mark in Abassiya, Cairo.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the Pope expressed his closeness to the Patriarch and the Coptic community so hard hit, especially to the women and children who represent the highest number among the victims.

During the call Patriarch Tawadros II recalled the expression of Pope Francis, pronounced during their meeting at the Vatican, namely the '' blood ecumenism ". For his part, Pope Francis said that "We are united in the blood of our martyrs."

The Holy Father has promised to pray for the Coptic community during the Mass being celebrated today on feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Patriarch also thanked Pope Francis for his closeness at this time, and he asked him to pray for them and for peace in Egypt, promising to pass on his condolences to the entire Coptic community.

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