Advertise in this spot on CatholicCulture.org. View all ads.

Catholic World News News Feature

Pope Supports Dialogue with Egyptian Copts June 25, 1997

Vatican (CWN) -- Pope John Paul II today called for dialogue and cooperation between Catholics and Muslims in Egypt, stressing that "Islam is not an enemy but an partner in the dialogue that is indispensable to the construction of a new human civilization." The Pope made his comments as he received the bishops of Egypt's Coptic Catholic Church for their ad limina visits today.

The Coptic Catholic Church, an Eastern-rite communion, traces her roots to St. Mark the apostle. With her own liturgical rites and traditions, the Coptic Catholic Church numbers 150,000 faithful. This Church is distinct from the Coptic [Orthodox] Church, which is not currently in communion with Rome; the latter counts 3.9 million faithful. Nearly all of the Coptic believers of both churches live in Egypt.

In his message to the Coptic Catholic bishops, the Pope called upon all Christians to work with Muslims toward the establishment of a peaceful and unified society. By accentuating their "mutual understanding," he said, they could work "for all men, for social justice, moral principles, peace, and freedom."

The Pope added: "It is important that all men of good will associate themselves with the effort to reduce the misunderstandings, divisions, and breaks that can complicate daily life." It is equally important, he continued, that citizens live together with the understanding that every one of their neighbors has equal dignity and equal rights. Spelling out the implications of that statement, the Pope emphasized that no one should be denied access to public life on the basis of religious belief or practice.

The Pope asked the Coptic bishops to redouble their ecumenical efforts, and especially their efforts to encourage communion with the leaders of the Orthodox Copts. He also encouraged the scholarly work of the Church, and praised the Catholic schools which have offered education to both Christian and Muslim children in Egypt.