Pope Tawadros II, the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, joined Pope Francis for a special joint message to the faithful during his weekly General Audience.

The two exchanged greetings, then Pope Tawadros addressed the audience gathered in St Peter's Square, making it the first time the head of another Church has done the same.

Address By Coptic Orthodox Church Head
In his opening remarks, Pope Tawadros addressed Pope Francis as a "Beloved Brother" and continued, "Christ is risen, He is truly risen."

The leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church reflected on his last journey to St. Peter's Square, which occurred ten years ago today, and he recalled the warm welcome the people gave him and the Coptic Church delegation.

Pope Tawadros recalled that he had proposed in 2013, that the day May 10 be observed annually as a "Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship." He stated that ever since he and Pope Francis had spoken on the phone on May 10th.

The Coptic Orthodox leader continued by thanking Pope Francis for traveling to Egypt in 2017. He recalled that Egypt, the home of his Church, has a long history of Christianity and was the birthplace of monasticism.

He stated that regardless of our origins or connections, we are connected by the love of Christ who dwells within us and the host of our Apostolic Fathers and saints who surround and lead us.

Greetings From Pope Francis
His Holiness Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, was greeted by Pope Francis in the opening remarks.

He proceeded by thanking Pope Tawadros for accepting his invitation on this double anniversary and expressing his hope that The Coptic Head's trip to Rome would be blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

He continued by expressing gratitude to The Head for his dedication to fostering a cordial relationship between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.

He set aside his planned words for a while and joked with Pope Tawadros that even though they speak on the phone once a year, they are still good brothers and haven't argued!

Pope Francis addressed the congregation of Coptic bishops and believers in St. Peter's Square as he wrapped up the papal address. He prayed that Almighty God would strengthen the bonds of unity through the prayers of the saints and martyrs of the Coptic Church on behalf of everyone present.