On September 19, 2026, Pope Tawadros II, accompanied by leaders of the Wafd Party, including Major General Ihab Abdelazim, Engineer Majdi Malik, and Dr. Marwa Al-Baghdadi, visited Minya to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several monasteries and churches. The visit was attended by high-ranking officials, clergy, and local residents. The Pope expressed his joy at inaugurating the ancient church, highlighting its architectural and artistic value, which reflects the depth of Coptic history and Egyptian civilization.
The ancient church at Abu Fana Monastery dates back to the 4th century and has undergone extensive restoration work over the past 40 years, starting in 1987 with a Austrian mission. The restoration efforts aimed to preserve the church's original structure and ensure its continuity as a place of worship and community life. Pope Tawadros II praised the efforts of the concerned authorities, the working team, and the monks in preserving the monastery and restoring it to its current state.
The Pope emphasized that Christian heritage in Egypt differs from other historical monuments, as churches and monasteries have remained not only as historical buildings but also as places of worship and community life. He noted that Abu Fana Monastery represents an important example of this heritage, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural significance. The visit and the inauguration of the church conveyed a message of unity and social cohesion, highlighting the importance of preserving Egypt's cultural and historical heritage.
Major General Ihab Abdelazim, a member of the Wafd Party's executive committee, stated that the Pope's visit to Minya reflected a sense of love and unity among the Egyptian people. He emphasized that the visit and its activities carried positive messages about social cohesion and the country's stability. Abdelazim expressed his happiness at participating in the Pope's reception, stressing the importance of national unity and solidarity in facing challenges.
Engineer Majdi Malik, a former member of parliament and assistant to the Wafd Party's head, noted that the Pope's visit had a significant impact and conveyed important national messages. He highlighted the party's participation in the visit, which reflected the historical relations between the party and the Coptic Church, as well as the party's interest in issues that bring Egyptians together and promote common values.
Dr. Marwa Al-Baghdadi, a Wafd Party leader, stated that the party's participation in the Pope's visit was marked by a warm welcome. She emphasized that the presentation of the Wafd Party's shield to Pope Tawadros II was a significant moment, reflecting the party's respect for the Coptic Church and its role in promoting national unity.
The visit included several events, including the golden jubilee celebrations of the El-Milawi, Ansna, and Al-Ashmunin dioceses, and the inauguration of the ancient church at Abu Fana Monastery after restoration work. The Pope also laid the foundation stone for a new church at the Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Bahnasa. The events showcased the strong relations between the Egyptian state and the Coptic Church, as well as the country's commitment to preserving its cultural and historical heritage.
Key points
- The Pope's visit to Minya highlighted the importance of national unity and social cohesion in Egypt.
- The ancient church at Abu Fana Monastery was restored over 40 years, starting in 1987 with an Austrian mission.
- The visit included several events, including the golden jubilee celebrations of several dioceses and the inauguration of a new church.
