Coptic pope meets Pope Francis at Vatican

Pontiffs pray together in first such meeting in 40 years, marking anniversary of declaration for improved relations

10 May 2013, 3:15 pm

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Pope Francis, left, and Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt Pope Tawadros II meet during their private audience in the pontiff's library, at the Vatican, on Friday (photo credit: AP/Andreas Solaro)

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Two popes are praying together at the Vatican, one Catholic and one Orthodox.

The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, Pope Tawadros II, called on Pope Francis on Friday in the first such meeting in 40 years.

The occasion was to mark the anniversary of the signing of a declaration for improving ties between the two churches between Pope Paul VI and Tawadros’ predecessor, Pope Shenouda III.

The Coptic and Catholic churches split in the fifth century over theocratic differences. Since taking office last year, Tawadros has reached out to Egypt’s Catholics.

Christians comprise about 10 percent of Egypt’s population. Copts complain that since the overthrow of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011, discrimination and attacks have increased, especially with the rise of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood.