Leading Coptic figures discuss Pope Shenouda's decision to seclude himself in a monastery in Wādī al-Natrūn and cancel this year’s Christmas celebrations, which led to demonstrations at the ‘Abbāsiyyah Cathedral last Wednesday demanding President Husnī Mubārak’s attention.

Activist Būlus Ramzī characterized the Pope’s actions as trying to pressure the government into issuing the personal affairs law for Christians. He added that the Church is attempting to represent the Coptic people, moving Egypt towards becoming a religious state and away from a secular state.

Kamāl Ghubriyāl says that the state is to blame for allowing religious leaders to participate in politics.

Meanwhile, Mamdūh Ramzī, Hānī al-Juzayrī, and ‘Ādil Fakhrī Dānyāl claim that the Pope’s actions are a result of a number of factors:

- Ahmad ‘Izz's deception in nominating only nine Copts for parliament

- ‘Abd al-Rahīm al-Ghūl’s victory in the Naj‘ Hammādī district

- The state allowing Islamists to protest against the pope during the Kāmīliyā Shihātah crisis

- The use of force against young Copts in the ‘Umrāniyyah riots

- The President nominating Coptic thinker Jamāl As‘ad to parliament