The Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is to visit the Netherlands in ten days' time. Pope Shenouda III will pay a pastoral visit to the Dutch Coptic community between 15 September and 17 October.
A number of Dutch members of the Coptic Church will soon travel to Egypt to prepare the papal visit. Church sources say they hope the Pontiff's health will allow him to consecrate a church in Eindhoven.
The Dutch Coptic community numbers around 4,500 members.
SIC: RNW/EU