EuroNews
March 15, 2013 Friday

Egyptian Christians look to the new pope for comfort

One of the many challenges facing the new pope is how best to help
Christians who feel persecuted in North Africa and the Middle East.

In Egypt which has one of the largest Christian communities in the
region out reporter asked Bishop Krikor Augustinos Coussan, Primate of
the Armenian Catholic Community there what Christians were hoping from
Pope Francis :

“We ask the pope to use all his power to bring a comprehensive and
equitable peace especially in the Middle East, the country of Jesus
and the apostles who carried the gospel of Christ and his teachings to
the whole world.”

Many Christians living in Egypt and neighbouring countries have
watched with alarm as Islamist parties have gained influence in the
wake of the Arab Spring revolutions.

Our reporter in Cairo Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, said: “While pursuing a
dialogue and maintaining the peaceful coexistence between Eastern
Christians and Muslims there are critical issues awaiting
consideration by the new pope. What will be his policy to avoid any
tensions in the area where there are many conflicts and changes
happening both locally and in the wider region known to be the cradle
of three of the world’s major religions.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress