The Vatican criticized Al-Azhar's Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb following his rejection of Pope Benedict XVI's statement urging world leaders to defend Christians and Copts following the New Year's Eve bombing outside a church in Alexandria. Al-Tayeb considered the statements “an unacceptable interference in Egypt's affairs.” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the pope's statements supported the Coptic Christian community in the wake of the brutal church bombing and that the pope had simply expressed his worries regarding the consequences of violence on all residents, whether Muslim or Christian. He went on to say, “We do not understand how the pope's stance of non-violence could be misunderstood.” In his homily at New Year's Day mass, the pope said in the midst of mounting tensions created by "discrimination, abuse and religious intolerance, which are striking Christians in particular today,” he once again launches “a pressing appeal not to give in to discouragement and resignation." Al-Tayeb considered the statement to be “an unbalanced position towards Muslims and Christians.” “Why didn't the pope ask for protection for Muslims when they were under attack in Iraq?” asked al-Tayeb. In related news, al-Tayeb announced the launch of a committee called “the Egyptian Family Home” which he said is comprised of the “virtuous and wise” from both Al-Azhar and the church. He said that starting from next week, the committee would begin meeting weekly to spread tolerance of both Islam and Christianity. Translated from the Arabic Edition.
