Pope Tawadros II greets Pope Francis for Easter

By Robin Gomes

Pope Tawadros II, the head of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church has sent greetings to Pope Francis on the occasion of Easter which Orthodox Christians will celebrate a week later on April 8, according to the Julian calendar. 

"To his Holiness pope Francis, Christ is risen.  He is truly risen! I send you greetings of Happy Easter.  It is the feast in which we rejoice because Jesus Christ is risen and has conquered death, and after defeating death he has made the Cross the Cross of life,” Pope Tawadros said in a video message speaking in Arabic. 

The Italian bishops’ news agency SIR recorded the video message in Saint Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, the seat of the Coptic Orthodox Church. 

While wishing Pope Francis good health and happiness, the Coptic Pope also urged for prayers for Coptic Christians. 

Pope Tawadros also felicitated the Holy Father on the completion of 5 years of his pontificate on March 13. “I am happy to send this message from the land of Egypt. I congratulate you, Your Holiness, on the fifth anniversary of your election,” Pope Tawadros said.

The 65-year old Coptic Pope recalled his visit to Rome in May, 2013, two months after the Roman Pontiff’s election. “It was a beautiful visit. We were filled with the Holy Spirit.  I trust you always pray for us, and we too remember you in our prayers.” Pope Tawadros  concluded invoking the Lord’s blessing on the Pope’s service, mission and health and wished him a long life.   (Source: SIR)