The Egypt’s Coptic Christians today mourned the death of Coptic Christian Pope Shenouda III.
Reports say Egypt’s Coptic Christians have gathered to pay their final respects to Pope Shenouda III in Cairo’s Abbasiya district overnight and at the cathedral on Sunday morning.
Shenouda served as the 117th pope of Alexandria from November 1971. He led the Coptic community that makes up most of Egypt’s Christians for 40 years of papacy.
He died on Saturday at the age 88. Reports say his funeral will be held on Tuesday.
Shenouda’s body was reportedly laid in a coffin and seated on a ceremonial throne. He is wearing gold and red embroidered religious vestments.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today offered America’s deepest condolences on the passing of Coptic Christian Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria.
Pope Shenouda III was a beloved leader of Egypt’s Coptic Christians and an advocate for national unity and religious cooperation, Ms. Clinton said.
“As we reflect on his life and legacy, we reaffirm our support to the future peace and prosperity of Egypt. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Egyptian people and all those who mourn Pope Shenouda III.” -Ms. Clinton
Shenouda was prominent for his commitment to ecumenism. In 1970’s, Shenoudoa advocated for inter-denominational Christian dialogue. His his writings, teachings and actions aimed to spread rules of understanding, peace, dialogue and forgiveness.
