Egypt's new Coptic pope enthroned

Bishop Tawadros, now Pope Tawadros II, is shown in the Wadi Natrun Monastery complex northwest of Cairo earlier this month.

Pope Tawadros II, 60, was elected earlier this month
He replaces Shenouda III, who died in March after leading the ancient church for 40 years
Egypt's Christians are the largest single Christian community in the Middle East

CAIRO (AP) — The new pope of Egypt's Orthodox Coptic church has been enthroned.

Pope Tawadros II, 60, was elected earlier this month, but the televised official enthronement ceremony was held Sunday at the Coptic cathedral in Cairo. He replaced Shenouda III, who died in March after leading the ancient church for 40 years.

Egypt's Christians make up about 10% of the nation's estimated 83 million people, making them the largest single Christian community in the Middle East.

Christians have long complained of discrimination, particularly in the last four decades as the country's Muslim majority moved toward religious conservatism. The rise to power of Islamists after the ouster nearly two years ago of authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak has deepened their concerns amid increasing attacks targeting their churches and businesses.

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