Sports Minister Khaled Abdel Aziz has praised the role played by Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese in ending a sectarian problem at a time "powers of evil" were attempting to invade the country by all means.

"Having a homeland without churches is better than having churches without a homeland," was the pope's remark back then, Abdel Aziz said Monday.

About 60 million Egyptian youth appreciate the effective role played by the pope on June 30 and after, the minister said.

He added that Pope Tawadros has his own economic, social and artistic views as well.

The Ministry of Sports is hosting meetings between the pope and a group of youth as part of phase two of a training and enlightenment program organized in cooperation with the Egyptian Family House.

The program is meant to hone young leaders to promote concepts of the Egyptian Family House that are based on national unity and dialogue.

The meeting aims to exchange points of view regarding Egypt's economic future and efforts to counter terrorism through correcting misconceptions and social and spiritual development.
Source: MENA