Egypt Mourns Death Of Patriarch Shenouda III
The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, Patriarch Shenouda III has died at the age of 89, Egyptian state television announced Saturday. Patriarch Shenouda III died after fighting liver and lung problems for several years, according to official news agency MENA.
A source from the Coptic Church said the health of Patriarch Shenouda III had deteriorated Saturday morning after a serious heart attack. The medical team tried to revive him, but he died.
The Coptic Orthodox Church has declared a state of mourning for their leader, saying the funeral prayer will be held Tuesday at the papal Abbassiya district in Cairo.
Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri mourned the death of Patriarch Shenouda III, calling him a “national figure and symbol of Egyptian nationalism,” noting that he earned great respect for the Egyptian people.
The Muslim Brotherhood, the former secretary general of the Arab League Amr Moussa, and the Mufti of Egypt Ali Gomaa also mourned the death of the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
