Youssef Ibrahim Sarraf

"Catholics in Egypt are offering the rosary, the Stations of the Cross and Masses for the Pope and his intentions. We pray that God will comfort him in his suffering. Here both Christians and Muslims are praying for the Pope recognised by all as a great spiritual leader. Christians and Muslims pray that God’s will may be done. Our Catholics love the Pope and our Muslims respect and admire him. John Paul II has won everyone's heart he is a symbol of peace and unity."

"Christians of all confessions in Egypt pray and wait for the new Pope. We know the Holy Spirit will choose a Pope who is a true disciple of Jesus. For our part we hope the new Pope will continue along the path of inter-religious dialogue with Muslims and other believers. This is important for those of us who live in a Muslim country. We hope too that he will promote deeper communion among Christians and with the Orthodox Churches, much desired by Christians in Egypt where Easter and Christmas are celebrated according to the Orthodox Calendar somewhat later than the Roman calendar. All Christians are united by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and like the first disciples we must be witnesses today."

"I was celebrating Mass when the white smoke appeared. I was informed and immediately announced to local Catholics the name of the new Pope Benedict XVI, faces were radiant with happiness. I gave the people a brief outline of the new Pope's life and work. We then joined in prayer and will continue to pray for the new Pope that the Lord may assist him and help him in his mission which will not be easy. We hope he will be a bridge between the Church in the East and the Church in the West."

"It would be proper to mention the presence and the role of the Oriental Churches and those of North Africa for them to bloom in ecclesial communion and not be diminished to only "Monumenta Archeologiae Christianae". The entire Church-Family of God should be interested in Africa and not only the Churches that are in Africa."