Egypt's Minister of Culture, Ahmed Hanno, attended the inauguration ceremony of Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, on Sunday, representing President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. A statement from Egypt's Ministry of Culture said the country's participation underscored the strong relations between Egypt and the Vatican and the political leadership's commitment to sustaining cultural and religious dialogue with the Holy See and diverse peoples globally. This engagement is viewed as particularly significant amid current worldwide cultural, humanitarian, and political challenges, the ministry added. The inauguration ceremony drew over 150 official delegations representing leading nations and major international organisations. Attendees included presidents, monarchs, and heads of government from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, alongside prominent religious figures and representatives of Eastern and Catholic Churches worldwide. The Mass itself attracted a public attendance estimated at approximately 250,000 people from various countries. During a personal meeting with Pope Leo XIV following the ceremony, Hanno conveyed greetings from President Al-Sisi, as well as "the Egyptian people's sentiments of appreciation for His Holiness," the ministry statement reported. He reaffirmed Egypt's "steadfast support for the values of peace, peaceful coexistence, and cultural diversity." The minister also "emphasized the crucial joint role of Egypt and the Vatican in promoting a culture of dialogue, enhancing cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, safeguarding religious antiquities, and combating extremism," according to the statement. Furthermore, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's aspiration to "strengthen cooperation with the Vatican in fields of mutual interest." He also "urged the continuation of sustained efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East region, specifically calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people," the ministry statement concluded.
