In discussion with al-Sabāh, the new Catholic Patriarch Ibrāhīm Ishāq Sidrāk speaks of migration, the problem with the low number of Catholic priests, visits to Jerusalem, his nomination as the new Patriarch, and his opinion of the group for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Sidrāk explains how Copts are feeling isolated in their homeland with the rise of Islamist streams to power. According to him, many Copts are thinking of migrating from Egypt.
Rumours exist that there was a conflict over the position of the Patriarch between Bishop Yuhannā Qultah and Bishop Kyrillos of Asyut Governorate, until the choice came to Bishop Ibrāhīm. Sidrāk explains how Bishop Antonius’s resignation came as a shock to everyone and this new was followed by some disputes. There were no problems with the choice for successor, but rumours about the nominations was the reason for the dispute.
On the topic of his inauguration as new Patriarch of the Catholic Church, Sidrāk said President Muhammad Morsi (Mursī) is invited. Sidrāk explains how the invitation is particularly important in light of current events.
According to Sidrāk, there is a low number of Catholic priests in comparison to the number of Orthodox priests, and this is problematic in the Governorates of Cairo and Alexandria. There are too few priestly visits to homes to encourage people to come and pray at Church during Sunday Mass. This results in fewer Catholic followers.
Sidrāk does not share the opinion of late Pope Shenouda III that Copts should not be allowed to visit Jerusalem. According to Sidrāk everyone should have the freedom to decide whether they want to go to Jerusalem or not. Unlike the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church does not take a position on forbidding the visit.
Finally, Sidrāk is not supportive of the group for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. He believes the group has little to do with religion and instead they force their opinion on people (Michael Wadī’, al-Sabāh, Mar. 1, p. 8). Read original text in Arabic.
