The Egyptian capital Cairo is preparing on Friday for the papal visit. The great cathedral in Abbasiya will receive today Pope Francis who is scheduled to leave Egypt on Saturday.
The cathedral was adorned with three huge banners of the Egyptian flag mediating two portraits of Pope Francis and Pope Twadros II.
"Pope of peace in peaceful Egypt", read the banner.
Other banners welcoming Francis were also placed by scouts at the entrance of the cathedral.
Pope Francis is due to visit the Roman Catholic Cathedral this evening to meet with Pope Twadros II. He will also lead a mass in the Patriarchal Church in honor of the victims of the terrorist incident which occurred in December.
Cairo International Airport authorities decorated on Friday morning the roads leading to and from the airport with the flags of Egypt and Pope Francis photos.
The authorities of the airport evacuated parking lots in front of the presidential residence, as well as in front of the senior visitors' lounges.
They prevented the entry of cars, tightened inspection procedures at the entrances and exits of the old airport.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
