Pope Francis set for a sensitive visit to Egypt

Almost after 20 years since the Pope last visited Egypt, Pope Francis is set to make all of that change.

In a video message to Egyptians ahead of a trip to Cairo this week, Pope Francis lavished praise on the north African country as a “cradle of civilisation, gift of the Nile, land of sun and hospitality”.

“I want this visit to be a hug of consolation and encouragement to all the Christians in the Middle East,” the 80-year-old Argentine said. But he added that the trip was intended to deliver a “message of fraternity and reconciliation” to the Muslim world. 

Recall how recently on Palm Sunday, Jihadis attacked Christians with two bombings which no fewer than 47 people. 

The Pope maintained that his two days visit is more of a “messenger of peace”.