Showing posts with label Coptic pope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coptic pope. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2012

Egypt's Coptic Christians Vote for New Pope amid Increased Sectarian Tensions

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Egypt's Coptic Christians are set to vote for a new leader on Monday to succeed Pope Shenuda III, who died in March leaving behind a community anxious about its status under an Islamist-led government.

The death of Shenuda, who headed the church for four decades, set in motion the process to elect a new patriarch to lead the community through the post-revolution era in Egypt, which is marked by increased sectarian tension.

Five candidates – two bishops and three monks – are vying to become the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa in the Holy See of St Mark the Apostle.

A council of senior clergy, current and former Coptic public officials, MPs, local councillors and journalists will cast a vote for their preferred candidate. » | Source: agencies | Monday, October 29, 2012