The head of Egypt’s armed forces drew applause from a congregation of
Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas in Cairo on January 7. Coptic Pope Tawadros II mentioned the name of defense minister Abdel Fattah el Sissi during the liturgical celebration, eliciting a warm reaction from the faithful.
El Sissi is regarded as a potential candidate for the Egyptian presidency.
The Coptic worshippers also cheered when Pope Tawadros mentioned the country’s acting president, Adli Mansour, who had paid a courtesy call on the Coptic prelate the previous day.
The interim Egyptian government has made a point of reaching out to the country’s Christian minority.