VATICAN CITY, MARCH 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak assessed relations between the Holy See and Cairo, as well as the situation in Iran and Iraq, during their audience Monday.
A statement issued by Joaquín Navarro Valls, director of the Vatican press office, revealed later that "the cordial discussions, which lasted for around half an hour, began with an acknowledgment of the good relations between the Holy See and the Arab republic of Egypt, and of the situation of interreligious affairs in that country."
Aware of Cairo's importance in relations with the Muslim world, the Pope last Feb. 15 named Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, then president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, as apostolic nuncio in Egypt and Holy See delegate to the League of Arab States.
Cairo is the headquarters of Al-Azhar University, the most prestigious center for studies and research of the Muslim world.
Some estimates state that about 94% of Egypt's 77.5 million inhabitants are Muslims, mostly Sunnis. Most of the rest are Coptic Christians.
Baptized Catholics number about 300,000. Coptic Catholics, whose patriarch is Cardinal Stephanos II Gatas, run about 170 schools, in which the majority of pupils are Muslim.
Favorable decree
The Copts, both Catholics as well as Orthodox, descendants of the pharaohs who resisted the process of Islamization, have often lamented the discrimination they suffer because of their faith.
Christians have been favorable, however, to the decree promulgated by Mubarak at the end of 2005 to facilitate the restoration of ancient churches.
Navarro Valls reported: "The meeting provided an opportunity to consider themes relative to the prospects for a stable peace in the Middle East. A profound exchange of ideas took place regarding the situation in Iraq, with some attention also being given to questions concerning the Islamic republic of Iran."
Tehran's nuclear energy program has caused a sharp debate within the international community.
ZE06031404 - 2006-03-14
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Pope and Mubarak Talked About Iraq, Iran and Egypt
More Details of Audience Released
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