Below, please find the text of the remarks of the Director of the Holy See Press Office,
Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, expressing condolences to Coptic Christians for the passing
of their spiritual leader, His Holiness, Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria. ************************* The
Catholic Church shares in the grief and prayers of Coptic Christians in mourning the
loss of their spiritual leader, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria. Pope
Benedict XVI was informed of the news and he is united spiritually with prayers of
suffrage. We will never forget the meeting of Pope Shenouda in Cairo with Pope John
Paul II during his pilgrimage to Mount Sinai during the Great Jubilee. The occasion
marked a high moment in dialogue and fellowship witnessing to our common faith in
Christ. May the Lord welcome this great shepherd and give him the reward he deserves
for his service. - Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office