Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II asserted that the Coptic Church does not have any political agenda regarding the country’s political situation when asked if his visit to the United States (US) – started on 13 September—aimed to pave for the visit of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to New York (NY), who attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week.
During his sermon at Virgin Mary & St. Pachomius Coptic Orthodox Church in Stony Point, NY, Pope Tawadros II said “I am very surprised by this kind of questions. I am here to check out my children.” He added that “this is my responsibility in the Church, and I have nothing to do with politics.”
He moved on to say, “I am an Egyptian citizen. Citizenship is completely different from politics. I am responsible for my Church.”
Earlier on September 13th, Pope Tawadros II arrived in the US for a five-week stay to visit 25 Churches including 13 in New Jersey.
Pope Tawadros II visited St. Mark’s in Jersey City and celebrated with the state’s Copts who celebrated the Church’s 50th anniversary.
President Al-Sisi visited NY last week to participate in the 73rd session of the UNGA.
During his speech, Al-Sisi summarised Egypt’s vision in three key principles, achieving an effective international order and stability, the commitment to peaceful and sustainable solutions to international conflicts, and achieving sustainable development to prevent armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
