Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated West Asia’s largest cathedral in its New Administrative Capital, 45 kilometres east of Cairo. President opened the newly-built Cathedral of Nativity and also a mosque yesterday on the eve of Coptic Christmas.
Sisi called it a historic and important moment for Egypt. The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, the world’s primary seat of learning for Sunni Muslims, said that the two places of worship stand as a symbol in the face of attempts to undermine the country’s stability and sectarian seditions.
The ceremony was attended by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and a host of Arab dignitaries. It included recorded video messages of support from the region’s top Christian clerics as well as Pope Francis.
The Pope said the new cathedral is a gift of peace and prosperity to Egypt, the Middle East and the whole world.
