Pope Tawadros II conducts pastoral tour in Upper Egypt

Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, is conducting an extensive pastoral tour through Upper Egypt, marking several religious and historical milestones.

In Beni Suef, the Pope laid the foundation stone for the Patriarchs' Cathedral in New Fashn. During the ceremony, he emphasized the role of religious institutions in fostering good citizenship and national belonging, noting that the construction of new cities often begins with spiritual foundations.

In Minya, the Pope visited several historic sites. He inaugurated the restored ancient church of Saint Ava Veneni at the Abouna Monastery in Mallawi, highlighting the architectural and artistic significance of the 4th-century structure. He also visited the Monastery of Saint Samuel the Confessor at Mount Qalamun, where he inaugurated a new cathedral, including the consecration of five altars and various icons. This visit to the monastery marks his first visit to the site since ascending to the patriarchal throne.