Coptic Catholic Bishop Reports Slight Relief in Egypt

The Coptic Catholic bishop of Luxor says the situation of violence in Egypt is somewhat improved in his area, and a Mass for the feast of the Assumption will be able to be celebrated Thursday.

Some extremist leaders have been caught, Bishop Youhannes Zakaria, explained to the Fides news agency.

For 20 days, the bishop has been living locked inside his house for security reasons. Though he is still there, he reported that "the soldiers have brought us bread."

"Tomorrow, 22 August, according to the Julian calendar we will celebrate the Assumption, with a Mass to be held in the morning instead of at night, for safety reasons," the bishop said. "The celebrations this year will be in an extremely reduced form because we have to be careful how we move. But thanks to the police and the military, we have been feeling more confident in the past few days."

The prelate thanked the international community for their support. 

"I received phone calls from the United States, a bishop called me from Germany," he said. "They all said they listened to Pope Francis’ appeal to pray for peace for Egypt. This solidarity has moved me.
"All the Egyptian people who are suffering, Muslims and Christians are united in suffering the violence of extremists. So I ask everyone to continue to pray for Egypt."