The following is the video message sent by the Holy Father Francis to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, on the occasion of the dedication of the new Cathedral of the Nativity erected in the new administrative capital near Cairo, attended by the Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

Video Message of the Holy Father

Dear brothers and sisters, I wish you a good Christmas and a happy new year!

With joy I greet you all on the happy occasion of the dedication of the new Cathedral of the Nativity, built in the new administrative capital.

May the Prince of Peace gives Egypt, the Middle East and the whole world the gift of peace and prosperity.

I address a special greeting to my dear brother His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and to the dear Coptic Orthodox Church, which has been able to give a true testimony of faith and love even in the most difficult moments.

Dear brothers and sisters, you have martyrs who give strength to your faith. Thank you for your example.

I address a respectful greeting to the Egyptian government and to Mr. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

In the new Cathedral may the worship of God on high always be welcome, and may there descend His blessing and peace on earth for all men, whom God loves.

Happy Christmas!