VATICAN CITY
Pope Francis told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Monday that dialogue and negotiation were the only way to end conflicts in the Middle East.
The pontiff and the Egyptian leader met at the Vatican, and discussed the role of Egypt in the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, the Vatican said.
The pope underlined “the closeness of the Church to the entire Egyptian people during the period of political transition.”
During the meeting, the pope made what Vatican watchers described as a veiled appeal for Cairo to protect the beleaguered Christian Coptic population in Egypt.
The pope "expressed the hope that, in the context of guarantees enshrined in the new constitution regarding the protection of human rights, peaceful co-existence between all components of society can be reinforced so as to continue on the path of inter-religious dialogue.”
During discussions with the pope and the Vatican secretary of state, Pietro Parolin, “some themes of common interest were discussed, with particular reference to the role of the country in the promotion of peace and stability in the Middle East and in North Africa,” the Vatican said.
“In this context it was reiterated that the path of dialogue and negotiation is the only option for putting an end to the conflicts and violence that put in danger helpless populations and cause the loss of human lives,” it added.
After the meeting, al-Sisi travelled to the Villa Madama government guest house, where he held talks with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
The talks between the two leaders expected to focus on boosting trade ties between the two Mediterranean countries, especially the mass tourism to Egypt from Italy which plummeted after the recent political turmoil in Cairo.
Al-Sisi is due to conclude his visit with a meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.
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