Even though the public attorney has ordered the release of 70 of those accused in the al-‘Umrāniyyah church riots, the Pope's anger at how the matter was handled has been revealed through leaked reports about his intention to go into seclusion in the Wādī al-Natrūn Monastery of Bishop Bīshūy.

What took place in al-‘Umrāniyyah is ultimately an incident involving violence and confrontation with the security forces. Regardless of who was in the right, security forces viewed the actions of the Coptic youth as a transgression against security requirements and public order. Hence they were arrested so the law could be applied.

The question has been raised: would the same have occurred if a mosque had been involved? The factual answer is yes, since there are a number of incidents, such as one in Tanta, when a mosque was deemed to have violated the building code and was demolished by bulldozers. When some youth attempted to prevent this, they were arrested and referred to the prosecutor's office.

What took place regarding Copts is not a unique situation, for they are ultimately citizens who are subject to the law. If citizens violate the law, then no one should object when the law is applied against them.

Pope Shenouda III should have done better to teach his children respect for the law.