Egypt’s Christians pay last respects to Pope Shenouda
CAIRO: Tens of thousands of Coptic Christians lined up outside a cathedral in the Egyptian capital to pay their last respects to the spiritual leader of their ancient church, whose body was seated inside on an ornate throne.
The grief of the faithful filing past Pope Shenouda, who died on Saturday at 88, may also reflect the uncertainty felt by the country’s Christian minority following the recent rise of Islamists to power.
In his death, Egypt’s 10 million Christians have lost a seasoned protector at a bad time.
The crowds outside the cathedral in central Cairo carried crosses and portraits of Shenouda.
Tragedy struck during the sorrowful day. Three mourners suffocated to death in the crowded church, said Church official Anba Younnes.
Soldiers backed by armoured personnel carriers deployed outside the cathedral, possibly as a deterrent to possible attacks by militant Muslims targeting the large number of Christians gathered or angry over the traffic disruptions they caused.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, who heads Egypt’s ruling military council, visited the church with other generals and consoled Coptic leaders.
Shenouda’s death could lead to a long power vacuum. It could take months before a successor is found.