Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly greets Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, during a visit to the Papal Cathedral in Abbassia, Cairo, on Sunday to extend Christmas greetings. Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Cabinet
During the visit, PM Madbouly conveyed his warmest congratulations to Pope Tawadros II and to Egypt’s Christian citizens at home and abroad, praying that the occasion brings goodness, blessing, and prosperity for all Egyptians.
The prime minister praised the role of the Coptic Orthodox Church under Pope Tawadros II in promoting citizenship and fostering fraternity among Egyptians.
He said religious occasions provide an important opportunity to show affection and closeness among the people of one nation.
“I am always keen to be with Your Holiness on this day,” Madbouly told the pope, expressing his appreciation and respect and commending his continued efforts. He also wished Pope Tawadros continued health, success, and guidance and extended Christmas greetings to all Christian citizens.
Coptic Orthodox Christians, who make up the majority of Egypt’s Christian population, celebrate Christmas on 7 January according to the Julian calendar, while smaller denominations, including Catholics and Evangelicals, observe the holiday on 25 December per the Gregorian calendar.
Coptic Christmas has been a public holiday in Egypt since 2003.
Pope Tawadros II thanked the prime minister for the visit, saying it reflects the depth of fraternal ties among Egyptians and embodies the spirit of love that unites the nation. He wished the new year would bring happiness and stability to Egypt and its people.
The Pope noted that he closely follows the state’s efforts under President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi across various sectors, praising the government’s focus on health and education as fundamental pillars of human development.
He acknowledged that Egypt faces multiple challenges but said the government, led by Madbouly, is committed to keeping citizens informed about developments.
Despite regional crises, he added, consolidating peace and security remains a top priority, highlighting the importance of instilling hope through tangible achievements.
Pope Tawadros also recalled a previous visit to the prime minister’s headquarters in New Alamein City, accompanied by a group of Egyptian expatriate youth, who described the city as “Egypt’s San Francisco.”
In response, Madbouly said the current year shows improvements across most sectors. He expressed hope that prayers from Pope Tawadros and all Egyptians would support continued progress.
The prime minister said he seeks to reassure citizens that conditions are improving daily, based on his observations of completed development and service projects, and added that Egypt remains grateful for the blessings of security, stability, and peace amid turbulent regional developments.
The visit concluded with an exchange of words of appreciation and goodwill between the prime minister and Pope Tawadros II.
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