On April 28, 2025, President Andrzej Duda of Poland welcomed Pope Tawadros II at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, marking a significant moment during the Pope's ongoing visit to Poland and Central Europe, which began on April 25. This meeting is particularly meaningful as it follows Duda's visit to Egypt in May 2022, where he met with the Pope at the Papal headquarters in Cairo. President Duda expressed his joy at the reunion, describing it as a "meeting of love."
During the meeting, Duda emphasized the deep connection that Poland has with Egypt, stating, "Egypt, with its long history and Coptic Orthodox identity, holds a prominent spiritual position, as Poland embraced Christianity about a thousand years ago." He noted the importance of the Coptic community in Poland and acknowledged their spiritual needs, expressing appreciation for their contributions to the country's cultural and religious landscape.
Poland is known for its high levels of religiosity, and Duda mentioned that it is one of the most supportive European nations regarding religious practices. He highlighted the numerous monasteries, both open and closed, that dot the Polish landscape, stating, "I regularly visit these monasteries to pray and find joy in seeing young people dedicating their lives to serving God and the nation." This statement reflects the country's commitment to fostering a spiritual environment.
Pope Tawadros, in his response, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Poland. He remarked, "It pleases me to express my sincere wish to visit your beautiful country, Poland, a country that carries a great history, with a wise government and a strong people who cherish their history and work diligently for its future." His words resonate with the historical ties between Poland and Egypt, particularly in the context of the Coptic Orthodox Church's long-standing heritage.
The Pope also referenced President Duda's comments made during their earlier meeting in Cairo regarding Egypt’s significance as a refuge for the Holy Family. He stated, "These words carry weight in our hearts and we are happy to be present in countries close to life and the beauty of history." This reflects the shared values and mutual respect between the two leaders, rooted in their countries' rich histories.
As part of his visit, Pope Tawadros highlighted the importance of the Coptic Orthodox Church, which he described as an ancient institution dating back approximately two thousand years, founded in Alexandria by the Apostle Mark. He expressed his appreciation for the support that Egyptians, including Copts, receive in Poland, praising the efforts made to strengthen the Coptic community and its religious institutions.
In a gesture of goodwill, Pope Tawadros invited President Duda to visit Egypt again, welcoming him to the Coptic Orthodox Church. He concluded his remarks with a prayer for Poland, stating, "I raise my heart in prayer to God to bless Poland, its leadership, and its people, and to grant them strength and wisdom to achieve more progress and prosperity, and to perpetuate love and peace among all the peoples of the world."
After the meeting, the two leaders exchanged commemorative gifts, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Poland and Egypt. This exchange is seen as a reaffirmation of the cultural and spiritual ties that bind the two nations.
On the evening of the same day, Pope Tawadros departed Poland for Romania, continuing his pastoral tour across Central Europe. His four-day visit to Poland included various engagements, including meetings with members of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church, where they celebrated the Sunday of Thomas together.
During his time in Poland, the Pope also delivered a lecture at the European College and visited the Warsaw Cathedral, where he met with Metropolitan Adrian Choziv Galbas, the Archbishop of Warsaw for the Catholic Church. This visit included a tour of the Basilica of John the Baptist, one of Warsaw's oldest churches, founded in the 14th century, where he explored the crypts housing the graves of prominent church leaders.
As the Pope concluded his visit in Poland, he was seen off at the Warsaw airport by Ambassador Ahmed Al-Ansari, the Egyptian Ambassador to Poland, who expressed his support for the Pope's ongoing mission.
Upon his arrival in Romania on April 28, 2025, the Pope was warmly received by the Egyptian Ambassador to Romania, Moayad Al-Dhalai, and other dignitaries, including Bishop Dativ, the Armenian Orthodox Metropolitan in Romania. The Pope's Romanian itinerary includes meetings with the Coptic community and participation in various church-related activities.
Romania, located at a crossroads of European history, is known for its rich Orthodox heritage and vibrant culture. Bucharest, the capital, combines its ancient Orthodox character with modern European influences, making it an ideal location for the Pope's continued outreach to the Coptic faithful.
As Pope Tawadros embarks on this next leg of his journey, his visits to Poland and Romania highlight the importance of interfaith dialogue and the strengthening of cultural ties between nations. His efforts underscore the significance of religious unity and the shared histories that connect different communities across Europe.
