Pope Benedict’s Message of Condolence to Coptic Christians

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Published on Monday, 19 March 2012 19:35

Text of Vatican Radio's unofficial translation of Pope Benedict XVI's MEssage of condolence for the death of Pope Shenouda III of Alexendria.

On learning of the sad departure to God, our common Father, of His Holiness Shenouda III, Patriarch of Alexandria on the See of Saint Mark the Evangelist, I wish to express to the members of the Holy Synod, to the priests and all the faithful of all the Patriarchate, my most sincere brotherly compassion. I recall with gratitude his commitment to Christian Unity, his memorable visit to my predecessor Pope Paul VI, and their signing of the Joint Declaration of Faith in the Incarnation of the Son of God together in Rome, on May 10, 1973, as well as his Cairo meeting with Pope John Paul II during the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation, on February24, 2000. I can say how the Catholic Church as a whole shares the grief that afflicts the Orthodox Copts, and how she stands in fervent prayer asking that He, who is who is the Resurrection and the Life, might welcome his faithful servant. May the God of all mercy receive Pope Shenouda in His joy, His peace and light.

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2012-03-18 Vatican Radio. http://www.news.va/en/news/full-text-popes-message-of-condolence-to-coptic-ch

EU President Barroso Offers Condolences

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Published on Sunday, 18 March 2012 17:39

Brussels, 18 March 2012 - "I was deeply saddened to learn the news of the death of Pope Shenouda III, the Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Pope Shenouda was a respected national and religious leader who has always strived for freedom of religion and belief. The best tribute Egypt could pay to his memory would be to fully protect these rights and preserve national unity. On behalf of the European Commission I would like to offer my sincere condolences to all the Coptic community."

Egyptians Against Religious Discrimination (MARED) Condemns the Judgment to Imprison the Priest of Marenab

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Published on Monday, 12 March 2012 07:26

As a group of Egyptian citizens who defend equal rights for all Egyptians (without discrimination between them on the basis of religion or belief, gender, color, geographical location within the country), we were appalled by the sentence by the Court of Edfu, Aswan, to prison the priest Makarios Boles, of the Church of Al-Marenab village, for 6 months and a fine of 300 LE, for a building irregularity. This is related to exceeding the height of the church construction over what was specified in an earlier permit by the competent authorities.

Read more: Egyptians Against Religious Discrimination (MARED) Condemns the Judgment to Imprison the Priest...

“The Case Against Foreign NGOs Must be Closed and Responsible Ministers Held Accountable,” Egyptian NGOs Say

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Published on Monday, 12 March 2012 07:11

STATEMENT MARCH 11, 2012.

The undersigned human rights organizations condemn attempts by the government to manipulate the judiciary by filing spurious, politically motivated charges against unregistered foreign non-governmental organizations. In doing so the government has tarnished the reputation of the judiciary, and besmirched civil society, especially human rights groups, with its actions.

Read more: “The Case Against Foreign NGOs Must be Closed and Responsible Ministers Held Accountable,”...