The head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, Pope Tawadros II, called on Pope Francis today in the first such meeting in 40 years.
The occasion was to mark the anniversary of the signing of a declaration for improving ties between the two churches between Pope Paul VI and Tawadros' predecessor, Pope Shenouda III.
The Coptic and Catholic churches split in the fifth century over theocratic differences. Since taking office last year, Tawadros has reached out to Egypt's Catholics.
Christians comprise about 10 percent of Egypt's population. Copts complain that since the overthrow of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011, discrimination and attacks have increased, especially with the rise of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.