L’Œuvre d’Orient is horrified by these latest attacks carried out against Coptic churches in Tanta and then in Alexandria, Egypt, on Palm Sunday, a date of great symbolic significance for Christians.
The Islamic State has explicitly called for attacks on Christians in Egypt. With less than three weeks to go before Pope Francis’s visit, the Coptic community has once again been devastated.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to the Christian communities, and to their pastors.
The international community must redouble its efforts to help Egypt combat terrorism and move toward the future to which the vast majority of Egyptians aspire.
Bishop Pascal Gollnisch
Executive Director of Œuvre d’Orient
April 9, 2017
