Security around churches has been tightened and extra police personnel deployed ahead of Coptic Christmas celebrations, which come just one week after the church bombing at Alexandria's Church of Two Saints, Saint Mark and Pope Peter.

Pope Shenouda III will lead the Christmas Mass as usual, with Muslims also participating out of solidarity with Copts. Many Christians feel that they have not received adequate protection from the authorities leading up to the attack.

The article reports that the blast was caused by a makeshift bomb carried by a suicide bomber who tried unsuccessfully to enter the church in order to cause more fatalities. The incident was followed by clashes between Muslims and Copts, which were dispersed by police. According to the Health Ministry, the final death toll is 18. Investigators have also found a head that could belong to the suicide bomber, who is suspected to be linked to al-Qā‘idah.

Christmas mass will be celebrated tonight at St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo. The churhc has said that Muslims are also expected to attend the event.