His Holiness Pope Tawadros II was accompanied by H.E. Metropolitan Thomas of al-Qusiya, member of the WCC central committee, and H.E. Archbishop Angaelos of London. The delegation included WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay; Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC central committee; Rev. Merlyn Hyde Riley, vice moderator of the WCC central committee; and H.E. Archbishop Dr Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin), vice moderator of the WCC central committee. During the meeting, a frank and constructive dialogue was held on the situation of Christians in Egypt, and the delegation expressed their great admiration for the spirit of openness and love shown by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II towards the ecumenical movement and the World Council of Churches. At the end of the meeting, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II took the delegation on a tour inside the nearby Museum of the Crosses, where they visited the place where a portion of the wood of the Holy Cross is preserved, a rare section of only one of 13 parts found in the world. His Holiness Pope Tawadros II provided a spiritual and historical explanation to the delegation of the importance of this sacred site, amid an atmosphere of friendliness and mutual appreciation. “The WCC leadership was greatly honoured to spend a considerable amount of time with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, including a visit to the Holy Shrine,” said Pillay. “Our discussions revolved around the Coptic Orthodox Church, Christians in Egypt, Christian-Muslim relationships, and the Egyptian context.” Pillay said the WCC delegation was greatly pleased to hear about the government’s support and recognition of all religions and the freedom given to the church to practise and live its faith in the country. "We expressed our appreciation for the kind hospitality of the Coptic Orthodox Church in hosting the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, its deep spirituality, ability to mentor and develop young people, and its strong ministry in Egypt and beyond,” said Pillay. “We are also grateful that, for the first time, this conference is taking place in the African continent. We thank God for the ministry and witness of all our member churches in Egypt." Photo gallery: Pope Tawadros II receives WCC leadership As World Conference on Faith and Order opens in Egypt, hearts and minds look to unity (WCC news release, 24 October 2025) Conference session lifts up hope and determination of Christians in the Middle East (WCC news release, 25 October 2025) Sixth World Conference explores the meaning of faith for church unity today (WCC news release, 25 October 2025) Conference livestreams and recordings Photogallery: Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, 2025 Learn more about the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order | 
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