Mutual Visits

• On November 24, 2014: President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met Pope Francis of the Vatican in response to an invitation from Pope Francis and his Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Sisi praised the stances of the Pope and his efforts in defense of humanitarian issues that are considered common goals for both sides and help bolster bilateral relations, spread moderate thoughts and confront extremist ideas that could certainly undermine the societies. The two sides held a closed-door session of talks during which the Pope expressed his conviction of the tolerance of Islam and its noble values, Youssef said. Sisi also held talks with Cardinal Parolin who praised the new Egyptian constitution approved in 2014 and its contents of basic rights and freedoms.

• On November 6, 2007: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Abul-Gheit visited the Vatican: during which he met with Monsignor/Dominique Mamberti Foreign Minister of the Holy See to discuss the ways and means of fostering mutual cooperation regarding international issues of common interest such as the peace process and the situation in Lebanon, and Sudan.

• On March 3, 2006: Former President Hosni Mubarak visited the Holy See. He met Pope Benedict XVI for the first time after becoming a Pope. They reviewed during their bilateral talks the future of peace and stability in the Middle East, and overviewed the latest developments in both Iraq and Iran.

• On February 24, 2000: John Paul II visited Egypt. It was the first time the Pope undertook a historical visit to Cairo. The visit was highly appreciated by all the segments of the Egyptian society and it had a significant role in deepening the common ground between the two faiths.