“We want the constitutional assembly be representative of all segments of the Egyptian people. Copts have demands they want be clearly spelled out in the constitution, including a text confirming the civil nature of the state that would guarantee everyone the right of belief and free practice of religious rituals like funerals and hanging of bells, not just our right to apply the Christian law in matters of personal status,” said Bishop Pachomius in statements.

Bishop Bisāntī of Helwan and al-Ma’sarah said the Holy Synod will meet on Monday to discuss all arrangements pertaining to candidates for the papal post and election mechanisms and date, noting a new pope in succession of Pope Shenouda III will be selected through the altar lottery. [Khayr Rāghib, Yāsir Shimīs, Hamdī Qāsim, Ahmad ‘Abd al-Salām, Rajab Ramadān and Teresa Kamāl, al-Misrī al-Yawm, April 27, p. 6] Read original text in Arabic