Wagih Sobhi Baqi Suleiman became the 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church on 18 November 2012, succeeding Pope Shenouda III. His elevation followed a selection process at St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, where a blindfolded boy drew his name from a chalice containing three shortlisted candidates, formalizing his role as patriarch of the See of St. Mark.
Early Career and Theological Training
Born on 4 November 1952 in Damanhur, he earned a pharmacy degree from Alexandria University in 1975. Following a period managing a state-owned pharmaceutical factory, he shifted toward theology at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy in Wadi El Natrun. Pope Shenouda III tonsured him as a monk in 1988 under the name Theodore Anba-Bishoy, and he was ordained a priest the following year.
Episcopal Service
In June 1997, he was consecrated as a general bishop by Pope Shenouda III, adopting the name Tawadros. He served as an auxiliary to Metropolitan Pachomius within the Eparchy of Behira, located in the northwestern Delta region. This role preceded his involvement in the 2012 papal selection process, where he emerged as one of three finalists among 2,400 clergy and church members.
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Upon his inauguration, Pope Tawadros II addressed significant political instability in Egypt, including the removal of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013, a move he supported. His tenure has been marked by security concerns, including a 2017 bombing at the Cathedral of St. Mark in Alexandria. Additionally, he has engaged in international diplomacy, meeting Pope Francis in Vatican City and visiting King Abdullah of Jordan in 2016.
Ecumenical and Global Outreach
His travel schedule has included diverse international visits, such as a 2015 trip to Jerusalem for the funeral of Archbishop Anba Abraham and a 2017 tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland. In May 2026, he visited Croatia, engaging in inter-church dialogue with Catholic prelates and state officials. He has also spoken on global conflicts, specifically condemning actions in the Gaza Strip.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 November 1952, Damanhur, Egypt
- Papal Inception: 18 November 2012
- Predecessor: Pope Shenouda III
- Education: Alexandria University, Monastery of Saint Pishoy
- Ordained Priest: 1989
- Consecrated Bishop: 15 June 1997
- Citizenship: Egypt
Questions readers ask
What was the occupation of Pope Tawadros II before his monastic life?
He worked as a pharmacist and managed a state-owned pharmaceutical factory after graduating from Alexandria University in 1975.
How was the 118th Pope selected?
After a shortlist of three candidates was determined by clergy, a blindfolded boy selected the name of the future pope from a chalice placed on the altar at St. Mark's Cathedral.
Did Pope Tawadros II visit Israel?
Yes, he traveled to Jerusalem in November 2015 to attend the funeral of Archbishop Anba Abraham.
Achievements
- Educated at Alexandria University and Monastery of Saint Pishoy
- Worked as patriarch
