New Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church Bishop Tawadros II said the role of the church is basically spiritual, but the church exists in all society aspects.

The church must have an active role and real presence in the society, as it is a spiritual institution before being a social one, he added.

He stressed that the church refuses violent and insulting opinions, and underlined the importance of reasonable expression through legitimate and formal channels.

The Pope underlined that the relations in the country come under the umbrella of citizenship.

About the new constitution, he hoped that it will express all Egyptians as it is the father of all laws. He said the constitution is not about religion, but about citizenship.

On the other hand, the Pope received a congratulatory message from Vatican Pope Benedict XVI on his election as the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of all Africa in the Holy See of St. Mark the Apostle in Sunday's altar draw.

I am confident that you will be an effective partner with all your fellow citizens in building the new Egypt in peace and harmony, the pontiff said in the message.