The monastery's council of monks appointed Papadopoulos following an election held on 14 September.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, Egypt's Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad, US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas, Cyprus's Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Xiannidou, and US Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa Garg attended the enthronement ceremony.
In addition, the attendees included the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail, representing the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, as well as Yasmin Moussa from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, along with several Egyptian and foreign officials.
In his remarks, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano said his participation in this historic event reflects Egypt's deep appreciation for the cultural and spiritual significance of St. Catherine's Monastery — "a living testament to the meeting of religions and cultures, and a unique symbol of human tolerance and diversity that defines the land of Sinai."
He added that the monastery stands as one of Egypt's and the world's most important religious and cultural landmarks, carrying a profound spiritual legacy that embodies Egypt's enduring message of peace throughout history.
Hano reaffirmed that the Egyptian state emphasises preserving this unique human heritage as "an integral part of Egypt's and the world's collective memory — a timeless cultural and spiritual treasure."
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