Italy hailed Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II for his role in spreading ‘a message of love and tolerance and renouncing violence and terrorism’ during a visit by the Coptic Pope to Rome.

In statements reported by state owned MENA agency, Italy’s foreign minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi welcomed on Sunday Pope Tawadros II’s visit to Rome, praising his role.

“There is no doubt that your role in spreading a message of love and tolerance and rejecting violence has a major impact on stability and peaceful coexistence between all beliefs,” Milanese said to the Coptic Pope who headed the liturgy at Italy’s largest Catholic Church.

The Italian foreign minister said “our followup on conflicts in the MENA region increase our support and strong relationship with Egypt on both economic and political levels.”

On Sunday, Egypt’s Pope Tawadros II headed the liturgy at the Basilica of Saint Paul in Rome.

Tawadros II headed Sunday mass along with a number of bishops and priests as well as a Coptic delegation that is accompanying him on his trip to Italy, which started on Friday.

A huge congregation of Catholics and Copts living in the Italian city attended the mass.

Earlier on Saturday, Tawadros II participated in "the day of prayer" called for by Catholic Pope Francis in the city of Bari, Italy.

Church leaders from all over the Middle East and other parts of the world joined the Catholic pontiff in praying for peace in the region.