Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church mourns Pope Francis

Zeinab El-Gundy , Monday 21 Apr 2025

The Coptic Orthodox Church, led by Pope Tawadros II, mourned on Monday the death of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, who passed away earlier that morning at the age of 88.

File Photo: St Mark’s Cathedral, inside the Patriarchal Residence in ‘Abbasiyya, Cairo. Photo courtesy of St. Macarius Monastery website.

In a brief statement, the Church said: “The Coptic Orthodox Church, led by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis I, head of the Vatican, who passed away today at the age of 88. Pope Francis spent his life in service to the Catholic Church, both in his native Argentina and during the twelve years he served as Bishop of Rome and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.”

The Church extended heartfelt condolences to the clergy and faithful of the Catholic Church worldwide, honouring Pope Francis as a devoted servant and dear brother. The statement praised his sincere love and enduring example of Christian humility throughout his ministry.

Meetings with Pope Tawadros II

Meetings with Pope Tawadros II Since assuming their respective roles in 2013, Pope Francis and Pope Tawadros II met on at least four occasions.

Their first meeting took place in May 2013, during Pope Tawadros’s visit to the Vatican—the first by a head of the Egyptian Coptic Church in 40 years.

On that occasion, Pope Tawadros proposed designating 10 May as the “Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship,” a tradition the two Churches have observed annually ever since.

In April 2017, during his apostolic journey to Egypt, Pope Francis visited Pope Tawadros II at the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate.

The two leaders signed a joint declaration affirming their shared Christian faith and the importance of continued theological dialogue.

They also agreed to mutually recognise each other’s sacrament of baptism.

In July 2018, Pope Tawadros II travelled to Italy to take part in an ecumenical day of prayer for the Middle East, organised by Pope Francis.

Most recently, in May 2023, the two Popes commemorated the 50th anniversary of the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Pope Shenouda III.

Pope Tawadros joined Pope Francis at the Vatican for a general audience, private discussions, and a joint prayer service—further solidifying their commitment to Christian unity.