H.H. Pope Tawadros II said that the phenomenon of the disappearance of Christian girls, especially in vulnerable areas, aches his heart. He described what is happening as a disgrace to society as it is due to the absence of the law, which is what drives perpetrators to repeat this crime. His Holiness added, speaking in an interview on the CTV Channel, “The girl in an Egyptian family has a special status, it remains fortified and preserved until her wedding. As for what happens when one has a fraction of her human rights or the hurt feelings of the families, this is a result of the girls’ disappearances.”
“It is a disgrace to the whole of society and the negation of the value of girls in our society,” he continued. “All of this is humanitarian logic, regardless of religion. We are seeking a solution through contacts with officials and hope to reach one.”
Pope Tawadros II explained, “I see that the law is crucial and that its absence or illness is why these cases are recurring.”
“On the other hands, girls must be educated as mingling sometimes may create problems and girls must be raised properly so no words may trick her,” he added. “I know this is a painful issue like with the girl from el-Daba, during which we demanded immediate recovery of her.”
When asked about the Church taking a tough stance toward this crisis His Holiness said, “It should not complicate matters as this approach creates a stubbornness and does not solve the crisis, but we do demand the return of the girls, because this is a disgrace to society and distorts Egypt’s reputation abroad."
