Pope Francis’ visit to Egypt

Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Egypt tomorrow, April 28 and remain here for a visit of only 27 hours. He will thus have an unbelievably heavy schedule which will consist of several meetings, notably  with President al-Sisi, Pope Tawadros II, Catholic leaders and of course, ordinary people. He will celebrate one mass in a large stadium used by the Egyptian army.

Attendees are members of parishes who have signed up in time and received invitations. Of all attendees, passport or ID information is known. I was not so lucky. I returned to Egypt after Easter and found no more invitations available. Happily, thanks to Catholic priest Fr. Mathieu Grenier, I am able to meet with the Holy Father on Saturday.

Pope Francis is following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II who visited Egypt in the year 2000. He won the hearts of Egyptians. I remember the jubilance and joy of Egyptians receiving him. Pope Francis is genuine about the power of hope and faith to overcome fear and violence. Thus he is expected to also win the hearts of Egyptians, not only Catholics but other Christians and Muslims.

Egypt is going through a most difficult period in its storied history. The 2011 revolution and the following events have deeply divided the country and rocketed its economy while its population is still growing. There is a massive brain drain occuring and Egyptians are still plagued by terrorism as the two recent attacks on Coptic Orthodox Churches in Tanta and Alexandria demonstrate. Terrorism and the fear it generates is deeply affecting Egypt’s tourist economy.

Egypt certainly needs support to overcome the challenges it is facing. The Pope’s visit is such a sign of support.

The Pope’s name, Francis, refers to St Francis of Assisi who came to Egypt in 1219 during the Crusades. “He hoped that his strong faith and golden tongue would persuade the Muslim rulers of Egypt of the truth of Christian doctrine and thus “restore” Egypt to Christianity, “ US based Coptic medical doctor and blogger Maged Atiya writes. “Surprisingly enough, St Francis made little contact with Egyptian Christians. Had he done so he would have found out that the country was still substantially Christian. St Francis is not the first Westerner to confuse the rulers of the Egyptians for the natives of the land.”

Pope Francis comes better prepared, but for a period of time that is definitely much too short. Yet, it is hoped that the affects of his visit will be as visible and enduring as those of the visit of his predecessor Pope John Paul II.

April 27, 2017

Cornelis Hulsman,

Editor-in-chief Arab-West Report