FM Abdelatty reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding religious status of St. Catherine’s Monastery

Ahram Online , Saturday 31 May 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty reiterated on Friday the country’s full commitment to preserving Saint Catherine's Monastery's unique and sacred religious status, stressing that this status will remain unchanged.

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty speaks during a meeting with European ambassador
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty speaks during a meeting with European ambassadors in Cairo. Photo courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Speaking at a meeting with European ambassadors in Cairo, Abdelatty provided a detailed update on a recent judicial ruling concerning the lands surrounding the monastery.

He highlighted that the ruling — the first of its kind to affirm the monastery’s status legally — guarantees the inviolability of the monastery, its archaeological sites, spiritual significance, religious standing, and affiliated cemeteries.

Abdelatty also affirmed the monks’ continued right to benefit from the monastery and the surrounding religious and archaeological areas. He noted ongoing efforts to agree with local authorities and the monastery to settle outstanding issues.

The foreign minister urged caution against premature judgments amid circulating claims of land confiscation, stressing the importance of reviewing the full court ruling before concluding.

On Wednesday, an Egyptian court officially recognized the monastery’s rights to use the monastic complex and its adjacent sites. The following day, the Egyptian Presidency reiterated its unwavering commitment to preserving the monastery’s unique religious status.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi also personally assured the Greek Prime Minister of Egypt’s steadfast dedication to protecting the monastery’s heritage.

Built in 548 AD, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the world’s oldest monasteries, renowned for its profound religious and historical significance.

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