The Egyptian Orthodox Church of Alexandria began receiving endorsements for the vacant position of pope on Friday from Bishops and the general congregation council. Judge Edward Ghaleb, a member of the Church's general congregation council and candidacy committee told MENA that the committee was examining the endorsements in order to prepare a primary list of candidates that would not exceed seven and would be reduced to a maximum of five in order for an election to be held. Ghaleb said Bishops living abroad had delegated representatives in Egypt to present their endorsements to the committee. According to MENA, the favourites so far are Bishop Moussa, the head of Youth Bishopric; Bishop Younas, the secretary of former Pope Shenouda and Bishop Bishoy, the secretary of the Holy Synod. Whilst Bishop Youssef of the South America Bishopric and Bishop Kirollos of Milan have received support from abroad. The candidacy committee started its work days after services were held across the country to mark the 40th day since the death of Pope Shenouda III.
