The United Religions Initiative (URI) of Africa wishes to express its sadness on the death of Pope Shenouda III who passed away today at the age of 88.
The Patriarch of Alexandria was a charismatic patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt for four decades. The Patriarch expanded the presence of the Coptic Orthodox Church the world over and worked to keep peace between Christians and Muslims at home, promoting interfaith harmony. Pope Shenouda III's commitment to peace and tolerance was expressed through his sermons, books and official Church bulletins. He established a relationship of trust with Muslims and also worked to facilitate international dialogue between religions. He also played an active role in easing inter-religious tensions as they arose in Egypt.
The award he received for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence from UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura on the recommendation of an international jury was a testimony to his great work on peace, interfaith harmony and inter-religious co-existence.
On learning of the sad departure of His Holiness Shenouda III, Patriarch of Alexandria on the See of Saint Mark the Evangelist, I wish to express to the members of the Holy Synod, to the priests and all the faithful of the entire Patriarchate, the most sincere condolences of all of us at URI Africa.
May the soul of Pope Shenouda III rest in peace.
May Peace Prevail on Earthc
