The Islamic Center in the city of Leoben, Austria, commended the statements of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, during his current visit to Switzerland, regarding the depth of relationships between Muslims and Copts in Egypt, over 14 centuries. Bahgat Al-Bebah, president of the center, added in his statement that Pope Tawadros was a patriotic personality, pointing out that the Pope confirmed in Switzerland that the recent wave of church torchings failed to drive a wedge between Muslims and Copts, who are tied by a lengthy history of co-existence and love, repeating his quotation that a homeland without churches is better than churches without a homeland. The Center’s president commended the pope’s statement that Egypt is distinct for its moderate, enlightened version of Islam, that Copts and the Church have a positive relationship with the Muslims, and that Egypt has not known the extremist movement, which is alien to the Egyptian nation, save 40 years ago. He indicated the Church is on good terms with Al-Azhar and the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, not to mention the widespread success of the “Egyptian Family House” initiative, which left a positive impact on all.
Islamic Center in Austria: HH Pope Tawadros II conveyed a civilized image of Egypt and her people
