The Cairo Security Directorate stated that Egyptian churches are always secured and that additional security measures have been implemented since the threats made by al-Qā‘idah, allowing the Pope’s weekly meeting to go ahead as planned. Minister of Endowments Dr. Hamdī Zaqzūq said that Egypt is more than capable of protecting its citizens and that it will never allow any extremist group to harm Copts. Bishop Bīsantī denied rumors of the cancellation of Pope Shenouda III’s “39 Years as Pope” celebrations.

Key Words: The Cairo Security Directorate - al-Qā‘idah – Pope Shenouda III - Dr. Hamdī Zaqzūq - Bishop Bīsantī