Cardinal Vincent Nichols has written to Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK offering the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales, following yesterday’s appalling bombing in Cairo, 11 December 2016.
An explosion near Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral killed at least 25 people and injured 49 others.
“Dear Bishop Angaelos, it was with great sorrow that I learned of the attack, on Saturday, at St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church within the complex of St Mark’s Cathedral, in Cairo and also of the murderous attack in the city, on Friday, where six policemen lost their lives.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of all those who died, for those who have been injured, and every family and community affected. These senseless attacks continue to shock the world and all who hold that respect for human life is an essential foundation for every society.
“I assure you and the Coptic Community, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales.”
The Cardinal also sent a message of condolence to Pope Tawadros II – the current Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark:
“Your Holiness, it was with great sorrow that I learned of the attack, on Sunday, at St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church within the complex of St Mark’s Cathedral, in Cairo and also of the murderous attack in the city, on Friday, where six policemen lost their lives.
“May God grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised. May God welcome into His merciful presence all who have died. May God turn the hearts of all who commit evil to a true understanding of His desire and intention for humanity.
“I assure you, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. We, too, mourn this loss of life. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.”
Finally, Cardinal Nichols wrote to the Egyptian Ambassador to the UK:
“Dear Ambassador, it was with great sorrow that I learned of the attack, on Sunday, at St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church within the complex of St Mark’s Cathedral, in Cairo and also of the murderous attack in the city, on Friday, where six policemen lost their lives.
“I would like to assure you that the victims, their families and the wider society are very much in my prayers. I assure you, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. We, too, mourn this loss of life. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.”
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HG Bishop Angaelos comments a day after brutal bombing and murder of 25 people in St Peter’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Cairo
