The Coptic Orthodox Church said on 19 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II visited the Church of St. Mercurius Abu Sefein and the Forty-Nine Martyrs, Elders of Scetis, in Fabriqa, Beba. This visit was part of a tour of the Diocese of Beba, El-Fashn, and Sumusta, which served as the fourth and final stop of the Pope's current pastoral tour of Upper Egypt.
\nPope Tawadros II said: \"I am very happy to visit this beautiful Diocese and to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the ordination of His Grace Anba Estefanos.\"
\nDuring the journey from the Church of Karmat El-Shohada in El-Fashn to the church in Fabriqa, residents of villages between El-Fashn and Beba lined the road. The church said large numbers of Muslim residents came out to welcome the Pope, describing him as a prominent national figure and the guest of their hometown.
\nUpon arrival at the church, the Pope was received by priests, and a deacons' choir chanted traditional welcome hymns. Metropolitan Youannes, the Metropolitan of Assiut and Secretary of the Holy Synod, delivered an address and recalled the words of St. Paul the Apostle from 2 Corinthians 3:2 to affirm that the Pope loves the children of the church as a father, according to the church. Bishop Estefanos, Bishop of the Diocese of Beba and El-Fashn, cited Philippians 1:26 and noted that people rejoice in Christ Jesus through the presence of Pope Tawadros II.
\nThe Coptic Orthodox Church said on 21 September 2026 that Pope Tawadros II arrived at the Church of St. Paul and St. Anthony in Ezbet Gaafar, west of El-Fashn, during a visit to the Diocese of Beba, El-Fashn, and Sumusta. The Pope's walk from the outer gate to the inner entrance of the church took approximately 45 minutes to cover a distance of no more than 300 meters because he wanted to greet and interact with people personally, the church said.
\nPope Tawadros II said: \"I found great love among the people of Gaafar.\" During the visit, a documentary was screened that recounted 54 years of service in Ezbet Gaafar and the establishment of the church, the church said. Christine Samy, a daughter of the church, recited a poem to welcome the Pope, and Fr. Sam Ghali, the priest of the church, delivered words of love and welcome in the main church, the church said.
\nBishop Estefanos, the Bishop of the Diocese of Beba, El-Fashn, and Sumusta, said in an address that Pope Tawadros II continually loves to do good and does not allow anything to hinder good works. The Bishop also praised the village of Ezbet Gaafar and the solidarity and love between its Christian and Muslim residents, the church said.
\nThe “Spirit and Life” Choir, which is affiliated with the churches in the villages of El-Fashn, performed praises and Church hymns and received commendation from the Pope, the church said.
\n