President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi speaks during the Christmas Mass at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Egypt’s New Capital. Photo: Egypt Presidency
According to the presidency, El-Sisi wished the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church a speedy recovery and continued good health.
Pope Tawadros II expressed appreciation for the call, describing it as a gesture reflecting mutual respect, the statement added.
The pope is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Vienna, according to the presidential spokesman.
Due to his health condition and recovery from kidney surgery abroad, Pope Tawadros II will not preside over the Epiphany Mass scheduled for next Sunday in Alexandria.
This is the second time in the past four years that the pope has been unable to lead the Epiphany celebrations for health-related reasons.
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