Coptic leader Pope Shenouda III said on Sunday he will lead Coptic Christmas mass on the night of 6 January. “Everything will go normally,” he said.
Canceling celebrations and prayers will not solve the problem and will embarrass every one, the pope explained, speaking during a meeting with Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb, Al-Azhar Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, and Minister of Religious Endowments Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq.
“We commemorate Jesus' birth, which has no relation with the problems we’re facing. The pope must always pray, under all circumstances,” Shenouda said.
“Hearts are broken over our deceased victims. We should thank God for all calamities. We should believe they are in a better place, praying for us while enjoying a good hereafter, which many of us might not reach,” the pope added.
The Coptic Church earlier decided to cancel Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the bombing victims.
