The reason behind the controversy surrounding Bishop Bīshūy's statements regarding the Qur'an is that they were made by Bishop Bīshūy, whose relationship with the press is infamous, rather than any other bishop, in which case the comments would have been completely disregarded. Bīshūy, despite being told not to talk to the press without the pope's permission, put himself in an even tighter spot by telling Al-Shurūq newspaper that the apology he issued was ordered by the pope rather than it being a personal decision.

Key Words: Pope Shenouda III - Bishop Bīshūy