The Coptic Orthodox Church
has recently named its new patriarch, Pope Tawadros II, to replace Pope Shenouda III, who died in March. He will officially be recognized on November 18. The Coptic Patriarchs are, interestingly enough, chosen by lottery from a slate of candidates. Pope Tawadros has some big shoes to fill and comes to serve as the Patriarch of the See of Mark at an especially difficult juncture. The Coptic Orthodox Church is the largest Christian body in Egypt; about 10% of the Egyptian population is Coptic Orthodox.