Pope Benedict XVI called on Egypt on Wednesday to fight “attempts to sabotage” relations between Christians and Muslims after 25 people, mainly Copts, were killed in clashes in Cairo. Addressing pilgrims during the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pope expressed his sorrow over the violent clashes between protesters and security forces on Sunday which left more than 300 injured. The pontiff called for national unity a day after Egypt’s deputy prime minister resigned after the clashes sparked a wave of anger at the ruling military and calls for the premier to quit. He shared the pain felt “by all Egyptian people, divided by attempts to sabotage the peaceful coexistence” between Muslims and Copts, he said, adding that it was essential to “safeguard” peace “in this transitional phase.” And he said he supported Egyptian civil and religious authorities in their struggle to uphold the peace and protect the rights of minorities.
