Mubarak to receive Pope John Paul II

President Mubarak will receive Pope John Paul II of Vatican, who is expected in Cairo on Thursday. The talks will focus on the Middle East peace process, future of the regain and bilateral relations.

President Mubarak will deliver an address to welcome the pontiff. Pope John Paul, in his address, will greet Egyptian people.

The Pontiff will meet Pope Shenouda III of Saint Mark Diocese and Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi.

Egypt's Ambassador to the Vatican Hussein Al-Sadr Tuesday described visit by Pope John Paul II to Egypt as a testimony on the religious tolerance Egypt has been experiencing over the past 14 centuries.

In statements to Radio Sawt Al-Arab over the phone from the Vatican, the Ambassador said that the Pope's visit and his meeting with President Hosni Mubarak acquire special significance as it will be the first visit ever by a Pope of the Vatican to Egypt and also because it takes place at a crucial stage in the Middle East peace process.