Patriarch Istafanos: Vatican Pope sees Egypt model of national Unity

In a statement issued on the occasion of a visit to be paid by Pope of the Vatican John Paul II to Egypt on February 24-26, Patriarch Istafanos II, the Patriarch of Catholic Copts, stressed that the Pope sees Egypt as a wonderful and unique model of national unity.

"This visit comes at the invitation extended by President Mubarak to the Pope of the Vatican who is expected to return a visit paid by Pope Shenouda III to the Vatican in 1973," Istafanos added.

The Pope of Vatican is also expected to meet the heads of Egyptian churches and Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawy so as to boost efforts exerted by the joint committee between Al Azhar, and Vatican in the realm of Islamic-Christian dialogue.

Pope Shenouda III is back home following a tour that has taken him to USA and Britain. During the tour, he discussed issues related to Egyptian Copts abroad.