117th Pope of Alexandria
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III (1923–2012) was the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. He led the Coptic Orthodox Church for over 40 years, from November 14, 1971, until his repose on March 17, 2012.
Born Nazeer Gayed Roufail on August 3, 1923, in Asyut, Egypt, he was a gifted scholar, poet, and teacher. Before his consecration as Pope, he was a monk at the Syrian Monastery in Wadi El-Natrun and served as a professor at the Coptic Theological Seminary.
A Legacy of Faith
Pope Shenouda III was renowned for his deep theological knowledge, his prolific writing, and his remarkable ability to communicate the Orthodox faith to people of all ages. He authored over 150 books on theology, spirituality, and church history, and his weekly Wednesday lectures at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Cairo attracted thousands of attendees.
Under his leadership, the Coptic Orthodox Church experienced significant growth both in Egypt and throughout the diaspora. He established numerous dioceses worldwide and strengthened the church's presence in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Key Milestones
- Birth Name: Nazeer Gayed Roufail
- Born: August 3, 1923 in Asyut, Egypt
- Papacy: November 14, 1971 – March 17, 2012
- Papal Number: 117th Pope of Alexandria
- Published Works: Over 150 books on theology and spirituality
- Reposed: March 17, 2012 in Cairo, Egypt