April 14, 2013: Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II stopped his prayer retreat
at the monastery of al-Bishoy (Alexandria), Egypt, to meet the families of the victims
of fighting between Christians and Muslims on 7 April in al-Khosous that left seven
people dead and hundreds injured.
Held Tuesday evening behind closed doors,
the meeting marks a shift by the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church to a tougher position
towards the government, following the attack on St Mark Cathedral on 9 April. The
incident also pushed Christians and Muslims into to the streets to demonstrate against
sectarian violence and the deliberate attacks against St Mark Cathedral.
Tawadros
II expressed his sympathy for the victims, said Fr Rafic Greiche, spokesman for the
Egyptian Catholic Church, as well as his concern about the plight of the Christian
community in Egypt, highlighted by his decision to retreat to the monastery.
The
patriarch's criticism of the Muslim Brotherhood-controlled government and his appeal
to President Morsi to take a clear stance against sectarian strife have had some positive
results, Fr Greiche noted. Tuesday, the Egyptian president dispatched representatives
to talk with Patriarchate officials. He also issued an apology for the allegations
made against Copts, unfairly accused by some of his officials of having provoked the
clashes.
For his part, Tawadros II confirmed his trip to Rome to meet Pope
Francis. The visit will take place in the second week of May, after Orthodox Easter,
which this year falls on 5 May. The Catholic community will take part in the celebration.
(S.C.)