Furthermore, Pope Shenouda, in an interview to al-Akhbār on the occasion of the Coptic Christmas on January 7, said Egypt has never known fanaticism, adding all groups within the society must come together as united entity for the good of the nation through amity and sound understanding.

“There is common ground for coexistence among the different religions. Anger would not settle anything,” said Pope Shenouda.

He added that he was in favor of having pious politics but never politician clergymen, noting democracy means respectful exchange of opinions and views, not insults and offense. [Sanā’ al-Sa’īd, al-Akhbār, Jan. 5, p. 12]