The disease of the Pope is not one of the seven sacraments of the Coptic Orthodox Church, namely Baptism, Confirmation (Chrismation in the Orthodox tradition), Holy Orders or Ordination, the Eucharist, Mass or Lord's Supper, Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession), Anointing of the Sick or Extreme Unction, and Matrimony. In fact, the health of Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, is a national interest for the Egyptians and all those who love him pray for his recovery.
Instead of reassuring the people about the health of the Pope through clear-cut statements, Pope Shenouda III Secretariat (in the absence of ecclesiastic officials for information) does its best to obscure the leaked news on the Pope's disease, as if he could not catch diseases. Because of this, any news concerning the Pope's health has become a sort of journalistic slander and the papers have been left with no disease that can be suffered by the aging Pope (born in August 3, 1923). Indeed, his diseases have become some sort of science fiction.
Many diseases and one reason: blackout has become a medicine for the diseases of the men of the State. Al-Azhar Grand Imam entered "Wadi Al-Nile" Hospital and left it without a statement explaining his illness, thus triggering speculations and rumors. The fact is that the Pope is ill and needs intensive treatment at home or abroad (in Cleveland, United States of America) as the Pope prefers. The Pope has become so unhealthy that he could not shoulder the all church's burdens. He should take care of himself because his health can not bear the effort he makes. The pope is still suffering from the results of the efforts he made during the mass Christmas.
Why shouldn't the Pope leave the Church in the hands of who can manage it to devote himself to medical treatment and recovery? Indeed, because the continued suffering of the Pope means the continued suffering of the Church. The faithful have concerns over the Pope's deteriorating health conditions. The situation has become a concern to those who are close to the Pope, but they do not have the nerve to force him to receive treatment. "He is ok", this is the only statement that is always issued on the Pope's health conditions by youth's Bishop Moussa. Me and others no longer trust this "he is ok". Rosy statement do not heal Copts' concerns, but indeed spark speculations and rumors. "He is ok" means that the Pope's health conditions are improving, but, in fact, other information says the contrary and advises the Pope to immediately travel to Cleveland.
