Court ruling on St Catherine’s Monastery catches the attention of the global press

Sinai’s St Catherine’s Monastery is in the international spotlight after a recent court ruling in Egypt affirmed the state’s ownership of the land housing the sixth-century site, while granting the monastery usage rights, outlets across the globe reported. The move drew concern from Greek Orthodox leaders, who warned it could threaten the monastery’s autonomy and sacred status. (France 24 | Telegraph | Kathimerini)

The government was quick to try to allay any concern, with the Ittihadeya issuing a statement arguing that the ruling consolidates, rather than undermines, the monastery’s protected status. This was followed by a phone call between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that stressed “Egypt’s unwavering commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of St. Catherine’s Monastery.” A Greek delegation is expected to arrive in Egypt next week to discuss the issue further.