Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese led Sunday a Mass in El Botrossiya Church in the presence of the families of martyrs of the terrorist attack that hit the church last month and left 27 persons dead and dozens of others injured.

The pontiff thanked President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the Armed Forces Engineering Authority for restoring the church in 12 days.

During the sermon, Pope Tawadros II said that "this church has become a church for the martyrs, by their blood we gain strength", adding that "we remember those martyrs with happiness".

The pope further stressed that after the tragic incident one can only repent and pray.

"When we celebrate the martyrs, we become more attached to the promises of God", he reiterated.

The pontiff concluded the sermon by saying "God bless you all and bestow contentment on our country", noting that "we are sure that prayers can change the world".

After the Mass, the pope shared breakfast with the families of the victims.

Source: MENA