Polls open tomorrow. The choice is between Al-Sisi, a former general, and Moussa Moustapha Moussa, an obscure last-minute candidate. Others who wanted to run have either pulled out or been arrested. A low turnout and violence by the Islamic State are major concerns. Yesterday, an attack in Alexandria left two people dead and five seriously wounded.
During Palm Sunday celebrations, which fell on the 33rd World Youth Day, Pope Francis stressed "the joy that Jesus awakens" in young people and the "anger" and "irritation" it provokes in many, to the point of manipulating the crowds and get them to shout "Crucify him". For the pontiff, “There are many ways to silence young people and make them invisible. Many ways to anesthetize them, to make them keep quiet, ask nothing, question nothing.” The pope was given the document drafted during the pre-synodal meeting on youth.
