A Christian has died and five others have been wounded in a shootout on a train south of Cairo, according to the official news agency MENA. It is still unknown if the loss was due to a sectarian clash would come just two weeks after the bombing of a church in Alexandria that left 23 dead and over 90 wounded.Mariam Salah, director of Good Shepherd Hospital in Samalut (MyNI, 260 kilometers south of Cairo) has reported that they are treating a total of five Christians were injured. This incident came few hours after Egypt call its ambassador to the Vatican after a statement yesterday in which Pope Benedict XVI urged the governments of predominantly Muslim countries to do more to protect Christian minorities residing in them.
Hossam Zaki, spokesman for the Egyptian foreign ministry criticized these statements, which considers an "unacceptable intervention in internal affairs" of the country. The Pope condemned yesterday's attacks on churches in those who have died in recent weeks dozens of people in Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria, arguing that they demonstrate the need to take effective measures to protect religious minorities.
These words were also rejected from Egypt through a declaration of Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the highest Sunni Muslim authority, who emphasized that "the protection of Christians is an internal issue guaranteed by these countries . During the reception to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See on Monday, the pope had asked the Iraqi authorities and Muslim religious leaders that "their fellow Christians can live safely and can continue to give their contribution to society that are full members.
"In the case of Egypt, the pontiff recalled the attack in Alexandria against" the faithful gathered in prayer in a church. "According to Benedict XVI," this series of attacks is a sign of the urgent need for governments in the region to take, despite the difficulties and threats, effective measures for the protection of religious minorities.
"In this regard, he reiterated that the Middle East" Christians are original and authentic citizens, loyal to their country and thus fulfill their national duty "and therefore" it is normal to enjoy all rights as citizens. "
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