The Address of His Holiness Pope Shenouda
The Address of His Holiness Pope Shenouda
The address of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III to the French television
First Question:
Today is Christmas in your Church. Do you think that peace is at the doors?
Answer:
We all pray that peace may prevail throughout the whole world, and that it may be a peace built upon justice and respect for the rights of peoples. We pray that God may work in the hearts of the leaders to complete the efforts exerted to support peace in the Middle East and its success in Jerusalem and Bethlehem where Christ was born.
Second Question:
Do you think that there is a project for peace in Jerusalem?
Answer:
Jerusalem has a great place in our hearts because it is the land in which Christ lived in the flesh and preached the faith. The land of Palestine is the land sanctified by the blood of Christ shed for the salvation of the world. Therefore, we pray for its peace and its liberation. We see that the problem of Jerusalem cannot be solved as long as its Arab inhabitants—Christians and Muslims—are expelled from it, homeless and scattered.
It also pains us that Jerusalem loses its religious character and its ancient historical form with all that it carries of holy memories. We denounce the attempt to Judaize it and to change its form. It is a heritage for humanity that should be preserved as it was.
Third Question:
You are the head of the Coptic Church which established the Ethiopian Church. Have you previously contacted the current regime in Ethiopia?
Answer:
For the sake of the peace of Ethiopia, we sent there a bishop, His Grace Anba Pachomius, who met General Andom, the head of the military council at that time. We were grieved by the killing of General Andom and his colleagues without trial. We also sent a telegram to the current military council after the incidents of killing, calling for observing legal procedures with political prisoners, respecting the international charter of human rights, and preserving the life of Emperor Haile Selassie and his dignity, in view of the leading role he played in the African continent and the great status he established for his country in society. We do not forget that he struggled for the liberation of his country from fascist occupation, and also worked for the progress of Ethiopia.
Fourth Question:
Are you willing to host Haile Selassie in one of your monasteries?
Answer:
With great pleasure, we welcome that the former Emperor Haile Selassie spend the coming period of his life in one of our monasteries, for which he holds all love as a son of the Coptic Church, if he so desires.
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