Archpriest Rūways Marqus, Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda III's Deputy in Alexandria, said that some Coptic candidates planning to run in the next parliament elections asked to hold their rally inside the churches to meet with Coptic youths and win their votes, but their request was refused.

The Archpriest said that these were the instructions of the Pope, as the church is a house of worship and should not be used for political purposes.

Read original text in Arabic