In spite of the long history of violence against Christians in Egypt, Pope Francis has opted not to use an armored vehicle during his two-day visit to Cairo at the end of this week.
The Telegraph is reporting on the Pope’s two-day trip to Cairo on April 28-29, which comes as a result of a personal invitation from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II, the Catholic bishops of Egypt and Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar University.
Pope Tawadros is believed to have been the target of a suicide bomber who struck on Palm Sunday while he was celebrating Mass at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, Egypt. The explosion killed 17 and injured 48.
In spite of his vulnerability as a potential terrorist target, the Pope will travel through the streets of Cairo in a closed vehicle, but not an armored one.
“That’s how he wanted it,” said Vatican spokesman, Greg Burke.
“Security is an issue everywhere, not just in Egypt,” Burke added. “Are we worried? I wouldn’t use the word ‘worry’. The security measures are similar to many trips. The Egyptians obviously want everything to go well.”
In the past, the Pope has likened bullet-proof vehicles to “sardine cans” and says they prevent him from engaging fully with the ordinary people who line the streets during his papal voyages.
“It’s true that anything could happen,” the Pope once said about security during his trips abroad. “But let’s face it, at my age I don’t have much to lose.”
The pope will arrive in Cairo on Friday, April 28, and pay courtesy visits to political and religious leaders, then deliver a speech at an international conference on peace at al-Azhar University alongside the Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb.
He will celebrate Mass for the small Catholic community in Cairo the following day and meet with bishops, clergy, religious and seminarians before returning to Rome.
The Pope issued a video message to the people of Egypt today which began with the traditional Arabic greeting:
“As-salamu alaykum! (Peace be with you!)”
“I am truly happy to be coming as a friend, as a messenger of peace, and a pilgrim to the country that, over two thousand years ago, gave refuge and hospitality to the Holy Family as they fled the threats of King Herod,” he said. “I am honoured to visit the land visited by the Holy Family!”
Speaking about recent “blind violence” in the country, Pope Francis said, “Our world needs peace, love and mercy. It needs peacemakers, people who are free and who set others free, men and women of courage who can learn from the past in order to build the future, free of every form of prejudice.”
After extending a warm embrace to the Egyptian people of all religions, ages, and means, he saluted:
“Shukran wa Tahiaì Misr! (Thank you and may Egypt flourish!)”
Let us keep him in our prayers during this visit.
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