06/27/2012, 00.00
EGYPT
Send to a friend

Mohammed Morsi meets Catholic bishops in Cairo

The meeting was held this morning at the presidential palace. The president-elect stressed that he will do everything to solve the problems of the Egyptian Church. Spokesman for the Egyptian Catholic Church: "This is a good sign for the future of Christians in Egypt."

Cairo (AsiaNews) - Eygpt's newly elected President and leader of the Muslim Brotherhood Mohammed Morsi, has promised the nations' Catholic bishops he will resolve the problems of the Catholic Church and restore peace among Christians, in a meeting held this morning in Cairo. Yesterday, the president-elect received an official delegation of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

According to Fr. Greiche, spokesman for the Catholic Church who attended the meeting, the statements by the new Islamist president is a good sign for the future of Christians in Egypt. He stresses that the meeting was not planned, but was called at Morsi's express desire. "He wanted to personally  meet the bishops - he says - and has proved helpful and friendly to Catholics to work together to address and solve the problems of our community."

Declared president on 23 June with 52% of the votes, Morsi has repeatedly stated in his campaign that he would "become the president of all Egyptians," not just Muslims. According to analysts, this is merely a tactic to keep the support of the minority Christian population, which has always feared the Muslim Brotherhood accused by many of seeking to build a confessional state based on Islamic sharia. However, Fr. Greiche emphasizes that the statement by the president-elect may contain some truth.

"Today - he explains - Morsi confirmed the possible appointment of a Coptic Christian and a woman to the vice-presidency. This would be a breakthrough for the country, but the position must have real power. Otherwise these appointments will become mere 'window dressing'. (S.C.)

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
Egypt, Christian Churches abandon "useless" dialogue with President
28/02/2013
"Lights and Shadows" of Mohammed Morsi’s oath in Tahrir Square
30/06/2012
Fr Rafic: No shadow over Morsi's death, but fears of attacks by the Muslim Brotherhood
18/06/2019 16:13
Cairo, confirms life sentence for the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood
06/12/2018 12:36
Egypt: death penalty for former President Mohamed Morsi
16/05/2015


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”