Pope: church attack blow to Egypt

The attack on the Boutroseya Church is a blow to all Egypt and not just the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria said Monday. 
Egypt is targeted by terrorist acts that claim many lives, whether in the army, police or judicial authority and others, Tawadros said in a sermon during funeral prayers for victims of the attack. 

The pope greatly appreciated state efforts to honor those martyrs. He was thankful for the many condolences he received, including from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Vatican Pope Francis. 

He prayed to God to protect Egypt against all evils and to maintain national unity. 

Perpetrators of such crimes are not part of Egypt, its history and civilization, Tawadros noted. 

After the end of the prayers, bodies of the victims were moved to the unknown soldier memorial, where a state funeral will be held later in the day.

Source: MENA