CAIRO: Leaders of all faiths should unite in renouncing extremism and counter the “barbarity of those who foment hatred and violence,” Pope Francis said on Friday at the start of a two-day visit to Cairo.
“Let us say once more a firm and clear ‘No!’ to every form of violence, vengeance and hatred carried out in the name of religion or in the name of God,” the pope told the conference for peace organised by Al-Azhar, a seat of learning for 1,000 years as well as a celebrated mosque.
Francis’s trip, aimed at improving ties between Muslims and Roman Catholics, comes three weeks after IS suicide bombers killed at least 45 people in two Egyptian churches.
The 80-year-old pontiff touched down at Cairo airport before he was ushered in a car to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi, who welcomed him with a military brass band and priests lining up to greet the pope.
“It’s a journey of unity and fraternity. Less than two days but very intense,” he said of the 27-hour trip before disembarking.
Security will be extremely tight with Egypt under a state of emergency following the church bombings claimed by the IS group.
Police and soldiers stood guard outside the Vatican residence in Cairo on Friday and armoured cars were stationed outside the Coptic Orthodox Saint Mark’s Cathedral, which Francis will also visit.
All of the country’s churches have been placed under additional protection because of the risk of another assault timed to coincide with Francis being in the country.
Despite the dangers, Francis is expected to conduct most of his business in a normal vehicle and electric golf carts. — Agencies
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