Pope Shenouda, the Arab World's Most Influential Christian Leader, Has Passed Away

Language: 
English
Sent On: 
سبت, 2012-03-17
Year: 
2012

 

Egypt's state television reports that Pope Shenouda died on Saturday following a long battle with illness

 

Pope Shenouda, the leader of  the Coptic Orthodox Church since 1971, was well-respected by both Muslim and Christians 

 

 

CAIRO, Egypt (AWR) – Egyptian Christians are mourning the death of Coptic Orthodox Pope and Patriarch Shenouda III, who passed away Saturday at the age of 88. 

 

Pope Shenouda was extremely popular among millions of common Christians, and also well respected by many Muslim leaders for his support of Palestnian rights.

 

A charismatic reformer and an advocate of Christian rights in a predominantly Muslim country, many Christians considered him as their father.

 

"There is no doubt," says AWR Chief Editor Cornelis Hulsman, "that Pope Shenouda was the most influential Christian leader in 20th century Egypt."

 

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No Crisis in Leadership in Coptic Church Following Pope Shenouda's Death, Says Labib

 

 

AWR Managing Director Hani Labib says there will be no leadership crisis in the Coptic Orthodox Church following Pope Shenouda's death, contrary to several media reports. But Labib says it will be challenging to find someone who can equal Pope Shenouda's stature on the Arab and international stage.

 

 

 

Egyptian Politicians, Religious Leaders React to Pope Shenouda's Death

 

 

Egyptians across the country, both Muslim and Christian, are reacting with sadness to the death of Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Shenouda III. Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, praised Shenouda’s status as a respected national figure, remembering his support of Palestinian rights and “vision towards Jerusalem.”

 
 

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