At the cathedral, 78 bishops and metropolitans received the pope who was arriving from the papal seat of Alexandria's King Mariout, a statement by the Coptic Orthodox Church read.

Pope Tawadros, 70, developed Bell’s (7th cranial nerve) palsy, a neurological disorder that causes temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, around a month ago.

The pope said he was keen to strictly adhere to the treatment programme, which contributed to his speedy recovery.

Pope Tawadros had earlier attributed his illness to a busy and eventful schedule in May, “which included numerous meetings and visits to various locations, exposure to heat and air conditioning during meetings, and high levels of stress.”

The pope stated that his condition necessitated medical evaluation, medication, daily physical therapy sessions, and complete rest.

Pope Tawadros is the 118th pope of Alexandria and patriarch of the See of St Mark. He took office in 2012.