AFRICA/EGYPT - The death of Pope Shenouda III: "The Christian world has lost one of its exemplary leaders", said Cardinal Erdő on behalf of European Bishops

Cairo (Agenzia Fides) - The funeral of Pope Shenouda III, leader of the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church, died on March 17 are held today, March 20, in St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo.
"We were shaken by the sad news of the death of His Holiness, Pope Shenouda III. In his person the Christian world has lost one of its excellent and exemplary leaders", said Cardinal Peter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Primate of Hungary and President of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) in a statement sent to Fides..
"The memory of his visit last year, his wise teachings and his exemplary determination still lives in our hearts. While we commend his soul to God, we share the sorrow of his believers and all benevolent people, and pray with love for the whole Egyptian Christian community. We beg the Lord of history to support the whole community of Christ-believers with His Providence", writes Cardinal Erdő.
"Thanks to Patriarch Shenouda, brotherly and ecumenical relations between the Hungarian Catholic Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church were established. Remaining faithful to his spiritual heritage we intend to maintain this valuable, friendly relation of Christian brotherhood and solidarity", the message concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/3/2012)