Cairo: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, met with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church, at the Papal Residence in Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral located in Cairo's Abbassia district. The meeting was centered on the significance of fostering religious tolerance and human coexistence globally.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the crucial role religious institutions play in promoting the values of fraternity among followers of all Abrahamic faiths. He referenced the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in the UAE in 2019 by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church. This document stands as a model for interfaith dialogue, peace, coexistence, and human fraternity.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II shared insights into the history of the Coptic Orthodox Church during the meeting. He noted that Alexandria was the first city in Africa to embrace Christianity. Emphasizing the church's role, Pope Tawadros II stated that the Coptic Church serves as a national institution that contributes to the community through various initiatives, especially in education, to instill values of peace, goodwill, and compassion.
In addition to the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed toured the Boutroseya Church and the Saint Mark's Cathedral. He received detailed explanations about their historical significance, architectural features, and the key events associated with these sites. Several officials accompanied the Crown Prince of Fujairah during his visit.