Despite al-Qā‘idah threatening to destroy Egyptian churches, Pope Shenouda III’s weekly meeting went on as planned. As opposed to the regular five thousand attendees, this week’s meeting only saw two thousand, all of which underwent intense security checks. The pope went on to call the threats a blessing as they brought in support from the Azhar, various journalists, and writers, as well as the Ministry of Interior.

Key Words: al-Qā‘idah - Pope Shenouda III – Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyib – Azhar – Iraq - Ministry of Interior