Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II returned to Cairo Sunday coming from East Jerusalem after leading a mass for Metropolitan Archbishop Abraham of Jerusalem and the Near East who passed on Wednesday.

The pope said his visit to the holy city was personal.

He pointed out that the stance of the Orthodox church on not going to Jerusalem before resolving the Palestinian cause remained unchanged as the Egyptian Christians will only enter the Holy city with their Muslim brothers.

The Pope attended on Saturday the mercy meal in honor of the deceased Metropolitan Archbishop Abraham .

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat attended the funeral on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

During the funeral, Pope Tawadros II considered the church's participation in the funeral prayers as a duty.

Pope Tawadros II said he attended the funeral to offer condolences and highlight the key role played by Archbishop Abraham.

Sources: MENA