Pope Francis tells Pope Tawadros II that the inscription of the 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians in what is known as the Roman Martyrology, or calendar of saints, was 'a sign of the spiritual communion that unites our two Churches.'
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis on Thursday, May 11, announced that 21 Coptic Orthodox Christians beheaded by Islamic State in Libya in 2015 are being recognized as martyrs by the Vatican.
He revealed the move during a meeting with Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church and said he was doing so with Tawadros’ consent. The 21 Copts, 20 Egyptians and a Ghanaian, were lined up on February 15, 2015 in orange jumpsuits on a beach in the Libyan city of Sirte, which Islamic State then controlled. The Islamist group posted a video of the killings, showing the men praying as they died.
Francis told Tawadros that the inscription of the men in what is known as the Roman Martyrology, or calendar of saints, was “a sign of the spiritual communion that unites our two Churches”.Tawadros, 70, is at the Vatican to mark the 50th anniversary of the first meeting between a Roman pope and a Coptic pope, which took place between their respective predecessors, Paul VI and Shenouda III, in 1973.
Copts comprise about 10% of Egypt’s mostly Muslim population and there are small Coptic Christian communities throughout the Middle East and Africa. They have long been attacked by Islamist militants who see them as heretics.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rare day at Vatican as two popes share stagePope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church is the guest of honor at Pope Francis' general audience in a rainy Saint Peter's Square.
Read more »
Pope Francis says Argentina government wanted 'my head' when he was in BuenosPope Francis said that when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires more than a decade ago, the Argentine government wanted "to cut my head off" by backing false accusations that he had collaborated with the military dictatorship of the 1970s.
Read more »
Pope says Argentina government wanted 'my head' when he was in Buenos AiresPope Francis said that when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires more than a decade ago, the Argentine government wanted “to cut my head off” by backing false accusations that he had collaborated with the military dictatorship of the 1970s.
Read more »
Eat Bulaga: Anak ni Francis M., bidang-bida sa 'Bawal Judgemental!'Aired (May 8, 2023): Kilalanin si Arkin, ang anak ng namayapang Francis Magalona na isang singer din!
Read more »
Escudero wants construction of more PMMA campuses, facilitiesEscudero is proposing the construction of additional Philippine Merchant Marine Academy campuses and facilities in Calabarzon, Visayas, and Mindanao than pass a bill aimed at bolstering student enlistment. | SAbrogarINQ
Read more »
Sen. Escudero prods Navy to set aside sub acquisition plan…for now | Butch FernandezSEN. Francis Escudero advised the Philippine Navy to “shelve its plan” to buy submarines and instead prioritize buying boats “for disaster and relief.” “Before it borrows money to buy submarines,” the senator suggested, “the Philippines should first acquire locally-made ships, like floating hospitals and rescue boats.” The senator suggested that will…
Read more »