CAIRO, Egypt, FEB. 14, 2011 (Zenit.org).- The Coptic Catholic patriarch of Alexandria says the Church in Egypt is joining with all of the nation’s “loyal citizens” to thank God for the “wonderful success” of the youth movement that began last month and led to the resignation of the president.
Cardinal Antonios Naguib said in a statement Sunday, “We are sure that all expectations will be met, God willing.”
Since Jan. 25, Egypt has been the site of massive protests and demonstrations urging the resignation of Hosni Mubarak. The president finally stepped down Friday. A military council is now ruling the nation.
The cardinal spoke of forces “that refuse[d] the wrong situation controlling the country for so long.” He said there is hope for a “better and brighter future for the Egyptian civilization” and noted the “love of Egypt and the dignity of its citizens.”
“Egypt has been making its history for 7,000 years with letters of light and fire,” Cardinal Naguib said. “And it is now shining with a new radiance.”
The patriarch assured prayers for those wounded in the struggles and the victims of ensuing violence and vandalism.
He said that the protests brought about “a reality that was absent for so long, which is the unity of the citizens, the youth and the old, Christians and Muslims, without any distinction or discrimination, in purpose and action for the good of Egypt, and for the security and safety in the country.”
“We are certain that these feelings that reigned in hearts will last for the near and distant future,” the cardinal added. “Now, it is time for serious, committed and decisive work, so that Egypt would be at the forefront on the social, economic and political levels, and shine again with its deep-rooted civilization that illumined the world over the centuries.
“With all Egyptians, we are looking forward to swift steps that will bring about what was declared by the supreme council of the armed forces, which is the reconstruction of the nation on sound constitutional bases. We want Egypt to have its position among the modern countries.”
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Full text: www.zenit.org/article-31742?l=english
