Pope Francis delivers anti-terrorism message in Egypt
CAIRO — Pope Francis on Friday won over the Egyptian audience with his first few words, spoken in Arabic: “Peace be with you.”
“There is no justification for violence,” he said to applause during a peace conference in Cairo, adding that it’s the responsibility of clerics and other religious leaders to expose those responsible for extremist violence.
“Together, from this land that is the place where civilizations converged, we must reaffirm our categorical rejection of all forms of violence, retaliation and hatred that are perpetrated in the name of God,” he said to more applause, calling for brotherhood and reconciliation.
After he finished speaking, the pope turned and embraced Sheikh Ahmed Tayeb, the grand imam of Al Azhar mosque, the paramount seat of learning for Sunni Islam, in a moment that many in the audience later said moved them as much as the anti-terrorism and pro-peace message presented by both religious leaders.
“Maybe we’re a bit emotional in Egypt,” said Mona Abdelhaseeb, 33, a researcher at Al Azhar, as she left. “But for someone who doesn’t speak Italian or Arabic, it’s all they need to understand.”
Francis arrived in Cairo earlier and emerged beaming from his plane to greet and bless a receiving line of supporters, including leaders of various faiths.
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail was the first to welcome the pope as he strode down a red carpet to the tarmac. There, a mother and son approached with flowers, and the pontiff paused to bless them. He greeted others with kisses on the cheek.
Among others greeting the pope at the airport was Chaldean Christian Bishop Basilio Rialto of Baghdad. Rialto, who served for seven years as assistant pastor of a church in Michigan, has relatives in El Cajon and said earlier that he knows Chaldeans all over the world are watching to see how the pope’s trip goes.
“We need the peace, especially in our country. The pope’s visit is going to give a lot of support, especially to Christians in the Middle East,” said Rialto, who has worn the same silver cross as the pope since he was ordained two years ago as bishop.
Police lined the streets outside St. Mark’s cathedral compound near downtown, checking bags and forbidding pedestrians and cars from stopping. Most in the Christian neighborhood were aware of the pope’s impending arrival and understood the need for added security during his visit.
“It is very, very important, not only for Egypt but also for the whole world, which it will bring peace and good,” said Osama Zahar, 60, who has lived up the street from the cathedral since birth. “I hope that everything goes peacefully without any attack against him.”
Zahar, who is Muslim, said he wished he could thank the pope and welcome him personally, adding that he admires the pontiff’s bravery and thinks it will encourage tourists to return to Egypt.
Zahar watched the pope’s arrival on a television in his perfume shop near the cathedral.
Rushing to see the pope speak, Naguib Gobrael, a Coptic Christian activist and leader of the Organization for Human Rights, said he was elated.
“For the Egyptian people, today is a celebration, like a holiday,” he said as he headed to heavily guarded Al Azhar University.
Francis’ arrival to this Muslim-majority nation comes at a particularly tense time. Attacks on the country’s Christian minority included suicide church bombings on Palm Sunday that killed 47 people.