by Fr Michelangelo Dessì, SDB

What do you remember from your time as a Salesian in Egypt?

I remember with pleasure the 2 years I lived in the Cairo-Zeitun community from 2003 to 2005. There is church, a fair-sized playground, a large hall and some small rooms... always full of children and young people. Through meeting these simple poor young people, I got to know the reality of Egypt. I got to know also the drama of war through meeting Sudanese refugees fleeing their country. They were even poorer than the Egyptians.

The Pope's visit to Cairo: What is its significance? Whom will he meet?

The Pope will be in Cairo on 28 and 29 April, accepting the invitations he received from President Al-Sisi, the local Catholic Church, the Coptic Church, and the Sunni Theological University of Al-Azhar.

"The Pope of Peace in Egypt of Peace": this is the motto of the Pope's visit. The logo chosen for this visit is significant: Pope Francis is depicted smiling and blessing, with the Pyramids in the background and the Nile River surmounted by the Muslim Crescent and the Christian Cross, and beside them a dove, the symbol of peace.

Certainly, this journey will be marked strongly by an ecumenical and interreligious character. I remember the words of Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, who has been preparing for this trip for a long time: "We all found ourselves in complete agreement - especially the Muslims - in stating that it is not lawful to invoke religion to justify violence. We must continue on this road: the more violence increases - and it is serious - the more it is necessary to multiply this kind of encounter."

What do Don Bosco and his charism mean today to young Egyptians?

Don Bosco's charism continues to be alive and relevant for young Egyptians. Working for the integral formation of young people is a precious gift for their present and for their future. Our living together, as Christians and Muslims, is a concrete sign that it is possible and enriching to study together, play together and grow together in respect and in friendship.

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