View source for Egypt

{{Country
 | country_name = Egypt
 | continent = Africa
 | region = Northeast Africa
 | area_sq_km = 1002450
 | population = 109000000
 | catholic_population = 250000
 | catholic_percentage = 0.23
 | rank_among_religions = 3
 | catholicism_status = Small minority religion, Islamic state
 | official_languages = Arabic
 | capital_city = Cairo
 | date_catholicism_introduced = 1st century AD
 | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 0
 | dioceses_count = 3
 | patron_saints = Saint Mark the Evangelist
}}

'''Egypt''' is a Northeast African nation, covering approximately 1,002,450 km² with a population of about 109 million as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/egypt/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Its official language is [[Arabic]], and its economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and natural gas. The [[Catholic Church]], with approximately 250,000 adherents (0.23% of the population), is a small minority religion, ranking third after Islam (90%) and Coptic Orthodoxy (9%), introduced in the 1st century AD through early Christian communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Egypt |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Egypt |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2024-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Catholicism shapes Egypt’s minority Christian culture through education, charity, and the patronage of [[Saint Mark the Evangelist]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

The Church, with three dioceses and no ecclesiastical province, has a limited presence, mainly in urban areas like [[Cairo]] and [[Alexandria]], and faces challenges from Egypt’s Islamic state policies and societal restrictions on Christians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Egypt |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/EG.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Sites like the [[Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima]] in [[Cairo]] serve as spiritual hubs for the small Catholic community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-04/egypt-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Saints ==
{{SaintsByCountry|Location=Egypt}}

== Geography ==

Egypt is located in Northeast Africa, bordered by [[Libya]], [[Sudan]], [[Israel]], [[Gaza Strip]], and the Mediterranean and Red Seas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/egypt/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Its 1,002,450 km² includes the Nile River valley, Sahara Desert, and Sinai Peninsula, with a mostly arid climate. Major cities like [[Cairo]] (the capital), [[Alexandria]], and [[Luxor]] host Catholic communities, with mission stations in Upper Egypt. The terrain and Islamic dominance limit Church outreach, particularly in rural areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== History ==

Egypt’s history includes ancient Pharaonic civilizations, Greco-Roman rule, Islamic conquest in 641 AD, Ottoman and British control (1882–1952), and independence in 1953.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD through early Christian communities in [[Alexandria]], traditionally founded by [[Saint Mark the Evangelist]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Egypt |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05329b.htm |publisher=New Advent |date=1913-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The Church grew modestly under Byzantine and later Islamic rule, with renewed Catholic presence in the 19th century via [[Jesuit]] and [[Franciscan]] missions. It faces restrictions in modern Egypt due to Islamic state policies but maintains a role in education and interfaith dialogue.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/egypt-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Predecessor states ===

Egypt’s territory was part of ancient Pharaonic kingdoms, the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and Roman/Byzantine Egypt before the Islamic conquest in 641 AD.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancient Egypt |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Egypt |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The Ottoman Eyalet of Egypt (1517–1867) and the British-occupied Khedivate of Egypt (1882–1922) preceded the modern Kingdom of Egypt (1922–1953), which transitioned to the Republic of Egypt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Khedivate of Egypt |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/khedivate-egypt |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Early Catholic communities, centered in [[Alexandria]], persisted under Islamic rule, with [[Coptic Catholic]] missions growing in the 18th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/egypt-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Successor states ===

The Republic of Egypt, established in 1953, has no direct successor states, as it remains a unified nation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The Catholic Church, though small, supports interfaith dialogue and minority rights, navigating challenges in an Islamic-majority state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-04/egypt-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Demographics ==

Egypt’s 109 million people include 0.23% Catholics (250,000), 90% Muslims, 9% Coptic Orthodox, and 1% other Christians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Egypt |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-egypt/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Ethnic groups are primarily Egyptian Arabs (98%), with Coptic and Nubian minorities. Catholicism is concentrated in urban [[Cairo]], [[Alexandria]], and Upper Egypt, with communities like the [[Coptic Catholics]] showing distinct liturgical traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Catholic church ==

The [[Catholic Church in Egypt]] comprises three dioceses (Coptic, Latin, and Maronite rites) and about 200 parishes, led by the [[Assembly of Catholic Hierarchs in Egypt]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Egypt |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/EG.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Leaders like [[Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak]] of the [[Coptic Catholic Church]] oversee education and charity. The Church operates schools and hospitals, maintaining a modest presence despite restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Education in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25010/catholic-schools-egypt |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2022-05-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Structure ===

The Church has no ecclesiastical province but includes three dioceses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Egypt |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/EG.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>
* [[Coptic Catholic Patriarchate of Alexandria]] (Cairo, nationwide).
* [[Latin Apostolic Vicariate of Alexandria]] (Alexandria, North).
* [[Maronite Eparchy of Cairo]] (Cairo, nationwide).

== Introduction of Catholicism ==

Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century AD through early Christian communities in [[Alexandria]], traditionally founded by [[Saint Mark the Evangelist]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Egypt |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05329b.htm |publisher=New Advent |date=1913-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The [[Coptic Catholic Church]], formalized in 1741, and Latin-rite missions in the 19th century by [[Jesuits]] and [[Franciscans]] strengthened the Catholic presence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/egypt-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Key historical events ==

The 1st-century establishment of Christianity in [[Alexandria]] marked Catholicism’s entry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Encyclopedia: Egypt |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05329b.htm |publisher=New Advent |date=1913-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The 1741 union of Coptic Catholics with Rome formalized the [[Coptic Catholic Church]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coptic Catholic Church |url=http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dalex.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2024-09-10 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The 2017 visit of [[Pope Francis]] to Cairo promoted interfaith dialogue amid Christian persecution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pope Francis in Egypt |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2017/outside/documents/papa-francesco-egitto-2017.html |publisher=Vatican |date=2017-04-28 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Catholicism status ==

Catholicism, with 0.23% adherence, is a small minority religion in an Islamic state under the 2014 Constitution, which privileges Islam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Egypt |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2020/04/15/religion-in-egypt/ |publisher=Pew Research Center |date=2020-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> The Church faces restrictions on church construction and societal discrimination but enjoys limited religious freedom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-04/egypt-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Cultural influence ==

=== Festivals and traditions ===

Catholics celebrate feasts like [[Saint Mark the Evangelist]] (April 25) with liturgies in [[Cairo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> [[Coptic Catholic]] traditions, such as fasting periods, blend with local Coptic practices.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-04/egypt-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Education and charity ===

The Church operates over 150 schools and several hospitals, serving Christians and Muslims.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Education in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25010/catholic-schools-egypt |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2022-05-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> [[Caritas Egypt]] addresses poverty and refugee needs, aligning with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Egypt |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-north-africa/egypt/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2024-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Art and architecture ===

Catholic heritage is evident in churches like [[Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima]] in [[Cairo]], built in 1950.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cathedral-of-Our-Lady-of-Fatima-Cairo |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> [[Coptic Catholic]] churches in Upper Egypt feature Coptic-style iconography.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic History |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/egypt-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Notable Catholic sites ==

=== Pilgrimage sites ===

[[Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima]] in [[Cairo]] is a key pilgrimage site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/africa/1250.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> [[Saint Catherine’s Monastery]] in Sinai, though Orthodox, attracts Catholic pilgrims.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-04/egypt-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Historical churches ===

[[Basilica of Saint Therese]] in [[Cairo]], built in 1932, is a Latin-rite landmark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basilica of Saint Therese |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Basilica-of-Saint-Therese-Cairo |publisher=Britannica |date=2024-10-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> [[Coptic Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection]] in [[Asyut]], built in 1960, serves Upper Egypt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cathedral of the Resurrection |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/cathedral-resurrection-asyut |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Saints and blesseds ==

=== Patron saints ===

[[Saint Mark the Evangelist]], celebrated on April 25, is Egypt’s patron.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

=== Associated saints and blesseds ===

Notable figures include [[Saint Mark the Evangelist]] (1st century, founder of Alexandrian Christianity), [[Saint Anthony the Great]] (canonized 4th century, monastic pioneer), and [[Blessed Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas]] (beatified 2009, Palestinian nun active in Egypt).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint Anthony the Great |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_2000_en.html |publisher=Vatican |date=2000-01-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Challenges to Catholicism ==

The Church faces challenges from Egypt’s Islamic state policies, including restrictions on church building and occasional violence against Christians.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt’s Catholic Church |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2022-04/egypt-catholic-church-community.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> Social discrimination and Coptic Orthodox dominance limit growth, countered by education, charity, and interfaith efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Youth in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/25015/catholic-youth-egypt |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2022-06-05 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== Social and political influence ==

The Church influences education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue, guided by [[Catholic Social Teaching]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caritas Egypt |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-north-africa/egypt/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2024-02-10 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref> It advocates for Christian rights but has limited political influence in an Islamic state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}</ref>

== References ==

<references />

== External links ==

* {{Cite web |title=Egypt |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/egypt/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-05-20}}
* {{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Egypt |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/EG.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-05-20}}
* {{Cite web |title=Catholicism in Egypt |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/egypt |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2020-06-15 |access-date=2025-05-20}}