Monday, 25 May 2026
Pope Tawadros II invites Pope Leo XIV to discover Egypt’s spiritual heritage
In a heartening exchange that radiates hope and unity, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, personally congratulated the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV on his ascension as the Pope of the Vatican and the Supreme Head of the Catholic Church.
During a memorable phone call on Friday, the two spiritual leaders spoke with profound warmth, reaffirming the deep and enduring bond of love that unites the Coptic Orthodox and Catholic churches. Their heartfelt conversation celebrated this long-standing friendship, and both Popes renewed their commitment to the cherished "Day of Brotherly Love," an annual event observed every May 10th, bringing together the Coptic Orthodox and Coptic Catholic communities in joyous harmony.
The dialogue also reflected their shared compassion and deep mutual concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as both leaders called for peace and prayed for those affected, demonstrating true solidarity and empathy in these challenging times.
Together, they expressed gratitude to Egypt’s leaders for steadfastly protecting the precious St. Catherine’s Monastery and its affiliated sites—timeless symbols of faith, peace, and resilience.
Then, in a truly historic moment, Pope Tawadros extended an open-hearted invitation to Pope Leo XIV: a personal visit to Egypt and its ancient church. This invitation marks a thrilling new chapter of cooperation, dialogue, and fellowship between the two churches, inspiring hope for a future built on mutual respect and love.