Egypt at the Vatican

On Monday, November 24, 2014, His Holiness Pope Francis received in audience His Excellency, Mister Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Following this encounter the President met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

During the cordial exchange, discussions centred around the situation in the Egyptian nation, highlighting the closeness and solidarity of the Church to all the people of Egypt during this period of political transition. At the same time, hope was expressed that within the framework of guarantees enshrined by the new Constitution in terms of the safeguard of human rights and religious freedom, the peaceful coexistence among all components of society may be strengthened and the path to inter-religious dialogue may continue to be pursued.

Furthermore, themes of common interest were discussed with particular reference to the role of the country in the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa. In this regard, it was reiterated that dialogue and negotiation are the only options to put an end to the conflicts and to the violence that endanger defenseless populations and cause the loss of human lives.