Introduction

His Holiness Pope Shenouda stresses that it is the duty of the Church and society to work for national unity and love among people regardless of affiliations. He calls for cooperation between Christians and Muslims together for the good of the nation and respect for rights and duties.

Spiritual and Social Message

His Holiness urges that unity be formed from childhood through conscious upbringing in schools and by the example of teachers, because love, respect, and justice build a real unity that does not erase identity but gathers the people as one nation. He rejects using the terms “majority” and “minority” that fracture unity, and affirms that the nation is one.

Political and Legal Positions

The Pope explained reasons for restricting some Copts’ visits to Jerusalem as political first (support for the Palestinian cause and the lack of full recognition of Palestinian state sovereignty) and religious second because of the issue of Deir al-Sultan. He noted that the Jewish court ruled the monastery belongs to the Copts in the early 1970s, but the matter became political and requires justice rather than revenge.

Education and Schools

He emphasizes the role of schools and teachers in teaching working together: how to love one another, help one another, cooperate, and instill responsibility and the capacity for collective work in youth from early childhood.

Ethical and Social Issues

The Pope touched on issues such as drinking alcohol in small amounts and warned that small habits may lead to material control over a person. He explained Christianity does not forbid the material itself but rejects being enslaved by it. He also stated the Church’s view on women working while stressing the need for balance between work and child-rearing.

Monasticism and Spiritual Life

He clarified there is no fixed age for men’s monasticism, while convents for nuns have age conditions (they do not accept above certain ages) because fixed temperaments may hinder spiritual leadership.

Media and Society

He advised not to believe everything published in newspapers, and that sometimes the best response to attacks is not to respond, as responses create more media noise. He affirmed that the Church’s appearance in political and social life can sometimes create controversies but wisdom and patience are preferable.

Conclusion

His Holiness answered audience questions with clarity and love, affirming the goal is to build a just, cooperative society that respects everyone and works for the common good.

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