Coptic Catholic Patriarch visits El Aziya church, Catholic Church in Egypt says
Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac met with religious leaders and emphasized the importance of family and interfaith cooperation, the church said.
The Catholic Church in Egypt said on 26 October 2026 that Patriarch Anba Ibrahim Isaac, Patriarch of Alexandria for the Coptic Catholics, visited the Church of the Virgin Mary and Pope Saint John Paul II in El Aziya.
Anba Markos William, Bishop of the Qusiyya Diocese for the Coptic Catholics, Anba Daniel Lutfi, Bishop of the Assiut Diocese for the Coptic Catholics, and Anba Bishara Gouda, Bishop of the Abu Qurqas, Mallawi, and Deir Mawas Diocese for the Coptic Catholics, participated in the visit alongside priests and religious leaders, according to the church. The celebration included spiritual hymns and the presentation of commemorative gifts to the Patriarch.
The Patriarch expressed thanks to God for the meeting and stated that the pastoral visit provides an opportunity for mutual encouragement, the exchange of experiences, and human and spiritual enrichment among the children of the Church. He expressed appreciation for the reception from the people of El Aziya and stressed the importance of families living in unity, cohesion, and cooperation to overcome challenges. The Patriarch highlighted the importance of the family in building society, drawing from themes addressed in a Rome church meeting marking the tenth anniversary of the issuance of the Apostolic Exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” by Pope Francis, noting that families include fathers, mothers, children, and grandparents who represent the memory of life and history.
The Patriarch expressed gratitude to Muslim brothers, the Coptic Orthodox, the Evangelical Church, and representatives of religious institutions for sharing the joy of the children of the Church, stating that cooperation between different churches and religious institutions is a foundation for unity and integration in Egyptian society. He added that such cooperation helps respond to societal needs and stressed the need for people dedicated to service and giving to highlight God's presence in families, villages, and cities.