Church releases list of candidates to succeed Pope Shenouda III

The Coptic Orthodox Church has announced the list of candidates for the successor of Pope Shenouda III.

Pope Shenouda died on 17 March after 41 years as the head of the Church.

The candidates are as follows:

Metropolitan Bishoy of Damiette
Bishop Youannes
Bishop Roufail
Bishop Pavnotious of Samalout
Bishop Boutros
Bishop Tawadros
Bishop Kirollos of Milan
Father Rafael Avva-Mina
Father Maximos El-Antony
Father Shenouda Anba-Bishoy
Father Pakhomous El-Souriani
Father Daniel El-Souriani
Father Anastasi El-Samuely
Father Bishoy Anba-Paula
Father Sawaries Anba-Paula
Father Seraphim El-Souriani
Father Pigol Anba-Paula

The list of names has been presented to the Nominations Committee. A final list of eligible voters is yet to be announced, and the period for challenges to be presented to the Nominations Challenges Committee with regards to Papal candidates will only commence once this is done.

Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, said: “We find ourselves in need of a shepherd for the Church, and are confident that God, who promises that He will never leave us orphans, will provide a shepherd according to His own heart."