The Grand Imam Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Sheikh Al-Azhar stated that the vile terrorist bombing which targeted innocent lives at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Abbassiya is a major crime against all Egyptians, for it is proven that this dreaded terrorism aims at shaking the security and stability of Egypt and the unity of the Egyptian people.

His eminence emphasized that this cowardly terrorist act is only carried out by a group of aggressors who unlawfully take the sacred lives of people, who are deprived of mercy and humanity, and who contradict the tolerant teachings of all religions, values and moral principles.

His eminence the Grand Imam requested to treat with an iron fist anyone who tampers with the security and safety of Egypt and Egyptian citizens. Sheikh Al-Azhar also requested immediate and firm action to be taken with the perpetrators of this tragic incident which caused pain and grief to all Egyptians, emphasizing his solidarity with the Egyptian Church in countering terrorism. His eminence also emphasized his great trust in the ability of the security forces to hunt down the criminals and bring them to justice.

His eminence the Grand Imam extends his sincere condolences to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, to the Egyptian Church, to the Egyptian people and to the families of the victims, praying for a speedy recovery to the injured.