Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese hailed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's participation in the Christmas Mass held on Friday evening at the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassiya district in Cairo.

Speaking on Saturday to Egypt's state-run TV, Pope Tawadros II said that President Sisi's visit to the cathedral was a surprise one that made all the participants happy.

The visit is considered as greeting to all Egyptian people and represents a civilized move of President Sisi that conforms with Egypt's high status, he said.

Asked about Sisi's declaration of the establishment of the biggest church and mosque in the new administrative capital, Pope Tawadros said it was "joyful news" to all Egyptians.

Meanwhile, Egypt's top Christian figure highlighted the importance of the role played by families, schools, religious institutions and media in building a sound character and spread peace in society.

Source: MENA