Pope Tawadros II Advocates for Dialogue and Cultural Exchange in Meeting with Czech Foreign Minister

OCP News Service – 10/05/2025

Prague – Czechia: His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, during his pastoral tour of Central Europe, met with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský in Prague, emphasizing the critical role of dialogue and cultural understanding in fostering international relations. ¹ The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, underscored the Pope’s commitment to building bridges between nations through mutual respect and open communication. 

Minister Lipavský warmly welcomed Pope Tawadros, expressing his appreciation for the visit and highlighting the significance of dialogue and cultural exchange as essential tools for strengthening global ties. He also voiced his openness to future cooperation between religious institutions, recognizing their potential to contribute to peace and understanding.

In response, Pope Tawadros shared his positive impressions of Czechia and spoke about the unique harmony that characterizes Egyptian society. He emphasized that Copts are not treated as a minority in Egypt but as integral members of the nation, a land blessed by the Holy Family’s sojourn. He further highlighted the significant improvements in the situation of Christians in Egypt, particularly after the 2013 revolution, citing the construction of the Cathedral of the Nativity alongside a major mosque as a powerful symbol of national unity.

The Pope also discussed the global expansion of the Coptic Orthodox Church, noting the presence of over 500 churches and monasteries outside Egypt, including emerging communities in Central European countries. He stressed the importance of his pastoral visits to these communities, underscoring the Church’s commitment to supporting its faithful worldwide. He then provided a brief overview of the Coptic Orthodox Church’s historical significance, particularly its role in the development of monasticism, which spread from Egypt to the rest of the world.

Concluding the meeting, Pope Tawadros extended a warm invitation to Minister Lipavský to visit Egypt and experience its rich civilization and Coptic heritage firsthand. The Minister expressed keen interest in visiting Egypt in the near future, stating that the Pope’s insights into Coptic history and Egyptian civilization had piqued his curiosity. He emphasized the importance of continued communication and collaboration, viewing dialogue and openness as crucial bridges to peace and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

Source:

OCP News Services