Pope Shenouda III’s interview with Sudanese television

In this historic interview held during the visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III to Sudan, His Holiness highlights the mission of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the world and its spiritual, cultural, and national role. The conversation begins by recalling the long relationship between the Coptic Church and Sudan since the early 20th century, then the Pope explains the history of the Church founded by St. Mark the Apostle and its spread in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and other Eastern and Western countries.
He speaks about the Church’s pastoral care for its children in emigration, affirming that the Church follows them wherever they go to provide spiritual care and Christian teaching, listing Coptic churches in America, Europe, Canada, Africa, and Australia.
He then discusses his poetic side, explaining that he began writing poetry naturally in his youth before studying its rules, and that his poems mostly express spiritual meanings such as purity and devotion to God, as seen in his poem about Joseph the Righteous.
When asked about the relationship between religion and science, he explains that man cannot live without God, for his soul longs for its Creator. Science, he says, is a gift from God and not opposed to faith, since true knowledge comes from God Himself. He notes that modern atheism is not a denial of God but a rebellion against Him due to man’s desire to escape His commandments.
He clarifies that religion and science never contradict, since both come from God—religion through revelation, and science through the mind that God gave man. Thus, the more science advances, the more man should glorify his Creator who granted him this intellect.
Regarding peace, he affirms that God created the world in peace and that enmity is foreign to human nature, calling for total peace—between man and God, between people, and within man himself.
On social matters, he explains the Church’s position on usury and alcohol, distinguishing between exploitative usury that harms the poor and lawful interest as partnership in capital. He also rejects drunkenness or any habit that weakens human will or dignity.
The Pope concludes with deep love for Sudan, praising its agricultural, educational, and political progress, commending the kindness and generosity of its people and their unity with Egypt, and blessing the national efforts toward development and peace.

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