President on the passing away of the Coptic Pope

Ljubljana, 20.3.2012  |  statement

President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, sent a letter of condolence to the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church on the passing away of Pope Shenouda III, Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

In the letter, President Türk wrote: "His demise represents a great loss for the biggest Christian community in the region. In these challenging times for Egypt, the loss of a spiritual and religious leader is even more painful. During the forty years of his leadership Pope Shenouda III actively participated in shaping the political landscape of Egypt and effectively safeguarded the interests of the Christian minority. He will be remembered as an active proponent of ecumenism, tolerance, inter-religious dialogue and peaceful coexistence."