Egypt has opened West Asia’s largest cathedral in its New Administrative Capital, 45 kilometres east of Cairo. President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated the newly-built Cathedral of Nativity and also a mosque yesterday on the eve of Coptic Christmas.

Sisi called it a historic and important moment for Egypt. The Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, the world’s primary seat of learning for Sunni Muslims, said that the two places of worship stand as a symbol in the face of attempts to undermine the country’s stability and sectarian seditions.

The ceremony was attended by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and a host of Arab dignitaries. It included recorded video messages of support from the region’s top Christian clerics as well as Pope Francis.

The Pope said the new cathedral is a gift of peace and prosperity to Egypt, the Middle East and the whole world.  Unlike December 25, Coptic Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7, following the Coptic calendar.