Catholic Pope: joy on election of new Coptic Orthodox Pope

Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message to His Holiness Abna Tawadros, the new head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, expressing his joy at hearing the news of his election. Tawadros was chosen in a solemn ceremony in the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo, Egypt Sunday as the new Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Mark, replacing His Holiness Shenouda III, who died in March. 

In his English-language message Benedict XVI writes, "I am confident that, like your renowned predecessor Pope Shenouda III, you will be a genuine spiritual father for your people and an effective partner with all your fellow-citizens in building the new Egypt in peace and harmony, serving the common good and the good of the entire Middle East. In these challenging times it is important for all Christians to bear witness to the love and fellowship that binds them together, mindful of the prayer offered by our Lord at the Last Supper: that all may be one, so that the world may believe".Tawadros II will be installed on November 18th as the 118th pope of the ancient Coptic Orthodox Church. 

Below, please find the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's Message to the new Pope of Alexandria.

His Holiness Anba TawadrosPope-elect of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark

I was filled with joy on learning of your election as Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark and I gladly extend to you and to the clergy and faithful of the Coptic Orthodox Church my good wishes and prayerful solidarity, asking the Lord to pour out his abundant blessings upon the lofty ministry you are about to assume. I am confident that, like your renowned predecessor Pope Shenouda III, you will be a genuine spiritual father for your people and an effective partner with all your fellow-citizens in building the new Egypt in peace and harmony, serving the common good and the good of the entire Middle East. In these challenging times it is important for all Christians to bear witness to the love and fellowship that binds them together, mindful of the prayer offered by our Lord at the Last Supper: that all may be one, so that the world may believe (cf Jn 17:21). I thank the Almighty for the important progress that was made, under the leadership of your esteemed predecessor, in the relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, and I earnestly hope and pray that our continuing friendship and dialogue, guided by the Holy Spirit, will bear fruit in ever closer solidarity and lasting reconciliation. May our heavenly Father fill you with peace and strength for the noble task that awaits you.

Benedictus PP. XVI

Vatican Radio (5 Nov. 2012)

Source: news.va