His Holiness began by thanking the speakers and explained that he could no longer live in secrecy, as all his works became public. He emphasized that only God covers a person’s faults to prevent them from becoming a stumbling block to others.

2. Historical Clarifications

The Pope corrected several historical details about his ordination as Bishop of Education in 1962, describing how Pope Cyril VI called him and how he began his ministry in education and Coptic institutes. He also recounted the founding of the Institute of Coptic Studies in 1953 and the professors who participated in its creation.

3. Founding of the General Bishoprics

He explained that the first two general bishoprics were for education and social services, starting with very limited resources but later growing greatly by God’s grace. He emphasized including women in theological education and church service — a new concept at that time.

4. Need for Developing Church Education

The Pope highlighted that old curricula no longer fit the modern mindset, as children and youth now live in a technological age. He called for a unified and updated Christian education curriculum suitable for both Egypt and the diaspora.

5. Warning Against Doctrinal Deviation

He shared experiences with some who were sent abroad for study and lost their Orthodox faith, stressing the importance of careful church supervision for all overseas missions to preserve true doctrine.

6. Preparation of Priests for the Diaspora

His Holiness urged that priests be linguistically and culturally prepared to serve abroad so they can effectively communicate with the new generations born outside Egypt.

7. Spiritual Reflection and Humility

He concluded with a humble reflection on aging and the limits of physical strength, explaining that simplicity does not mean weakness of mind, but purity of heart and wisdom — as Christ taught: “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Spiritual Message

The Pope left lessons of humility, faithfulness in ministry, and zeal for Orthodox teaching, urging the renewal of church thought without departing from true faith.

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