Statement by New Democrat Foreign Affairs Critic Hélène Laverdière, on the death of Pope Shenouda III

On behalf of New Democrats, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Coptic community and to all Egyptians on the death of Pope Shenouda III, the patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Pope Shenouda was a beloved faith leader who advocated inter-religious dialogue, tolerance and forgiveness.

New Democrats express their hope that Pope Shenouda’s calls for harmony, national unity and freedom of religious belief will be embraced by all Egyptians as they continue to work towards peace and democracy.