El Maqar

Your Holiness,
Dear Brothers in Christ,
For me it is a great joy and a truly graced moment to be able to receive all of you here, at the tomb of Saint Peter, as we recall that historic meeting forty years ago between our predecessors, Pope Paul VI and the late Pope Shenouda III, in an embrace of peace and fraternity, after centuries of mutual distrust. So it is with deep affection that I welcome Your Holiness and the distinguished members of your delegation, and I thank you for your words. Through you, I extend my cordial greetings in the Lord to the bishops, the clergy, the monks and the whole Coptic Orthodox Church.
Today’s visit strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood that already exist between the See of Peter and the See of Mark, heir to an inestimable heritage of martyrs, theologians, holy monks and faithful disciples of Christ, who have borne witness to the Gospel from generation to generation, often in situations of great adversity.

Pope Tawadros prayed with Pope Francis after their meeting in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.

“The most important aim for both the Catholic and Coptic Churches is the promotion of ecumenical dialogue in order to get to the most pursued goal, unity,” Pope Tawadros said in his remarks to Pope Francis.

He said he wished “the excellent relationships between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic may become stronger and more prosperous.”

His Holiness will embark on a trip to the Vatican on Thursday, marking the first such visit by a Coptic Orthodox leader in 40 years.

Thursday's visit, which is set to last for six days, will be Pope Tawadros' first trip abroad since his assumption of the Coptic Orthodox papacy in November of last year.

Pope Tawadros is set to meet with recently-elected Catholic Pope Francis on Friday.