Historic: Egypt's President Visits Coptic Christians

Teresa Neumann : Jan 6, 2014
Staff – CBN

President Mansour assured Coptic leaders that he will work toward making the unity between Muslims and Christians strong so they can "stand up to all challenges" together.

(Cairo, Egypt)—In a rare and highly symbolic move on Sunday, Egyptian president Adly Mansour visited the head of his nation's Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II.

They met at St. Mark's Cathedral in central Cairo.

A church statement said the meeting was "a kind visit that carries love, affection and fraternity."

According to a Voice of Russia report, Coptic rights lawyer Naguib Gabriel said the visit carries a message of reassurance to Christians in Egypt.

An Egyptian government state information service website said President Mansour said the "unity of Muslims and Christians will remain strong" and that they will "remain one nation that can stand up to all challenges."

This is only the second time an Egyptian president has personally visited the Church to offer Christmas greetings. The first time was President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1968.