Pope Francis proceeds with his plans to visit Egypt despite two bomb blasts at Egypt’s Alexandria and Tanta that killed at least 45 people and injured more than 100 celebrating Palm Sunday.
Pope Francis, who is due to visit Egypt on April 28 and 29, will not cancel his visit to Egypt
“There is no doubt the Holy Father will maintain his offer to go to Egypt. Egypt has assured us that everything will go as well as possible, so we will go confidently,” said Monsignor Angelo Becciu, the third most important figure in the Vatican, in an interview published on Monday in the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
“I also think it was an indirect message to those who govern the country and against the Christian minority which, in recent times, has found more liberty,” he added. “What happened caused disorder and tremendous suffering, but it cannot stop the pope’s mission of peace.”
Pope Francis has decried the church attacks in Egypt; he expressed his deep condolences to Pope Tawadros II, the Coptic church and all of the Egyptian nation.
“May the Lord convert the heart of those who sow terror, violence and death and also the heart of those who make weapons and trade in them,” said Pope Francis.
The Pope is expected to meet officials from Al-Azhar, the highest Sunni Islamic authority in Egypt, and the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Pope will also meet Egyptian President Sisi and other top government officials.
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